Trudeau honours workers on Labour Day

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Labour Day paid tribute to workers across the country while underscoring the government's commitment to improving workplaces.

"Today, on Labour Day, we celebrate Canada's workers, the backbone of our communities and our economy," Trudeau said in a statement. "Our workforce built this country. From constructing the roads we drive on, to maintaining the technology that connects us, to delivering food to our grocery stores, and so much more – we rely on workers every single day."

According to Trudeau, the government will continue to generate opportunities for workers as new challenges emerge after the country recovered its lost jobs during the pandemic.

"The Government of Canada will continue to support workers and create opportunities for them so we can build a better future for everyone," said the prime minister. "From protecting the rights of organised labour to improving workplace safety and job training, we have been a partner of the labour movement."

He also highlighted the government's efforts for workers, such as the Skills for Success Programme and the $15.55-an-hour federal minimum wage. He also pointed out the initiatives to modernising the Employment Insurance scheme as well as the introduction of the 10-day paid sick leave for federally regulated workers.

In his remarks, the prime minister also addressed workers' concerns over rising costs of living and inflation, with a recent study revealing that inflation is impacting the career decisions of 80% of employees.

"That's why we're focused on making life more affordable, now. We expanded the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) to put up to $2,400 back in the pockets of families and we are reducing the cost of housing, child care, and dental care as part of our Affordability Plan to help the middle class and those working hard to join it," said Trudeau.

According to the prime minister, the government not only recognises the effort of unions on Labour Day, but also commits itself to making workplaces safer.

"Today, we not only recognise the hard work and determination of the labour activists who fought for paid holidays, universal health care, and employment insurance, we also commit to building on their successes and continuing to make our workplaces safe and our future brighter," he said.

Read more: Trudeau calls for better pay for 'heroes' of the pandemic

Unions march on Labour Day Monday

Meanwhile, unions marked Labour Day Monday on the streets. Unifor, Canada's largest union in the private sector, celebrated "worker empowerment" in its march in Toronto. 

"Unifor is celebrating the fighting spirit that workers are courageously displaying across our union, across the country and all over the world," said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Payne, in her remarks, also discouraged employees from the new trend of "quiet quitting."

"Too often workers are in a work until you drop environment where they are made to feel expendable," said Payne. "Workers must speak up, not quiet quit. Now is the time to build worker power. Now is the time to join a union."

In Windsor, its Labour Day Parade just made its comeback after two years, with unions, local politicians, and candidates for Windsor city council joining the celebrations.

Dave Cassidy, president of Unifor Local 444, said that they are honouring workers who stood up for themselves "against the threat of losing their job, jail, or even life."

"Let Labour Day continue to be a reminder to all of us that our worth is more than Shareholders, CEO's or even the public think!" said Cassidy. "Let us remember our struggles together along with the victories we have shared!"