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Air Canada is preparing for a potential shutdown of most operations next week as contract talks with its pilots' union near an impasse. Here are five things Canadians should know about the situation, and how it could affect travel plans.

VANCOUVER — One long-time user of Metro Vancouver's HandyDART transit service said she hopes the mediated talks that began Sunday can bring about the end of a work stoppage that has halted most service for the past six days.

The online vote on joining the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers Union wrapped up Friday for about 80 employees of the passenger service between Nanaimo and Vancouver

Air Canada's pilots are still bracing to strike as they haven't reached an agreement with their employer.

CALGARY — Canadian drivers are enjoying cheaper gas prices heading into fall, a trend experts say could persist through the remainder of the year. As of Friday morning, the average gasoline price in Canada was 152.

VICTORIA — Public transit in British Columbia should be free for everybody, says Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau. The Greens are making free public transit one of the party's promises ahead of B.C.'s Oct. 19 election, she said Thursday.

TORONTO — DesRosiers Automotive Consultants says August auto sales were up 5.6 per cent compared with the same time last year but predicts sales gains will be tougher to come by in the coming months.

VANCOUVER — The union representing foremen at British Columbia's ports say members have voted overwhelmingly to authorize strike action if necessary in an ongoing labour dispute with port employers.

VANCOUVER — The operator of Metro Vancouver's specialized HandyDART transit system says it will meet with striking workers and a mediator on Sunday in an effort to resolve the dispute that has shut down most of the service.

Travellers need to be more punctual for flights with Canada's flag carrier.