WestJet cancels flights as Sunday strike deadline looms

WestJet began its first wave of cancellations ahead of a Sunday deadline tied to a potential strike by flight attendants. Early Saturday morning, the airline said 81 of its scheduled flights were canceled, aiming to prevent crew and passengers from being stranded, and urged travellers to check flight status before heading to the airport. The Toronto-to-Vancouver route had the highest number of cancellations, with four, and most affected flights were on Saturday, with more expected on Sunday and Monday. Transport Minister Patty Hajdu said she is in Calgary with WestJet and the union while mediation continues. A 72-hour strike notice from the union runs out just after midnight Sunday, matched by a lockout notice from WestJet.