With Air Canada expected to address its negotiations with its flight attendant union this morning, the federal jobs minister says she has asked the Canada Union of Public Employees to respond to the airline’s request for binding arbitration.

Air Canada is cancelling flights from Thursday, as the country's largest carrier winds down service ahead of a looming Saturday strike by its more than 10,000 flight attendants.

Air Canada is preparing to lock out its flight attendants who voted to go on strike this weekend. Travel disruptions could start Thursday and could continue until a deal is reached. The airline said it would suspend operations on Saturday and could remain shut down till a deal is reached.