The west coast port workers strike appears over as the two sides have agreed to a tentative deal that each still needs to ratify.

The agreement was reached just minutes before a deadline for reviewing recommended settlement terms from a federal mediator.

Ottawa had ordered the mediator saying the gap in deadlocked talks was ”not sufficient to justify a continued work stoppage.”

The B.C. Maritime Employers Association says it hopes to return to normal operations as soon as possible.

”The BCMEA recognized and regrets the significant impact this labour disruption has had on the economy, businesses, workers, customers, and, ultimately, all Canadians,” the statement reads.

”We must collectively work together to not only restore cargo operations as quickly and safely as possible but to also rebuild the reputation of Canada’s largest gateway and ensure supply chain stability and resilience for the future.”