Labour Day, the first Monday in September in Canada, is bitter-sweet. It marks the end of summer vacation and summer romances as a new school year begins.The closing of the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) in Toronto, Ontario coincides with Labour Day and therefore it is fitting that the CNE honours all workers by hosting the Labour Day parade.

My fondest memories of Labour Day were when I would watch my dad from the parade sidelines as he marched in the parade as a member of Local 30 Sheet Metal Workers. We were all so proud! Dad would receive a new uniform including a windbreaker with the Local 30 crest just before Labour Day each year so that he and his colleagues would show there best as they entered the CNE grounds. Mom, my brothers, and I would be admitted to the CNE grounds free on Labour Day and there were all sorts of activities, hot dogs, soft-drinks – an exhausting day of family, fun, and food.

Labour Day has been celebrated on the first Monday in September in Canada since the 1880s. The origins of Labour Day in Canada can be traced back to April 14, 1872 when a parade was staged in support of the Toronto Typographical Union’s strike for a 58-hour work-week. In New Zealand where Labour Day is celebrated on May 1st, the origin is associated with the 8-hour day movement in 1840. With recent changes to our current Labour Standards “abolishing” the 60-hour work work, I question our progress over the last two centuries in celebrating the “worker” and improving the quality of life in the workplace.

Ironically, Labour Day also signifies the end of a string of long-weekend holidays timed approximately every 4 weeks apart throughout the summer. An insinuous scent of fall is beginning to rock the lazy days of summer. Many families are preparing to kick into high-gear for the first day of school and the thrust of fall business activities. I have intentionally avoided shopping malls this weekend knowing that there are crowds of parents and children shopping for new clothes, equipment, and supplies. Emotions are running high: excitement, anticipation, fear, love.

While I am spending the day clearing and re-organizing my office to prepare for new business in the fall, I am also giving thought to all the men and women who have contributed to moving our economy forward through hard labour. We have much to be thankful to these workers for improving our quality of life. Welcome Labour Day and a toast to all workers. Have a safe and happy holiday!