Trades, supporters pledge to march on Labour Day

TORONTO – Ontario’s workers and their supporters are celebrating Labour Day across the province with messages of solidarity and pledges to march on Labour Day Monday.

A headline event on Monday will be Toronto and York Region Labour Council annual parade, starting at 9:30 a.m. from Queen and University in downtown Toronto, heading towards the Exhibition Grounds. The theme this year is “Workers Shape our Future.”

The Toronto and York council has also posted a video on YouTube highlighting the benefits of union participation: Trades Workers Shape Our Future (youtube.com). Blair Gallant, president, Sheetmetal Workers and Roofers Local 30 in Toronto, commented on the video: “Labour Day is a time to show the world we are a force to be reckoned with for everyone’s rights.”

David Piccini, the provincial Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, issued a statement highlighting Ford government policies that support labour. Piccini stated: “On Labour Day, we honour the workers who are the backbone of Ontario’s success. Our government is committed to supporting workers through enhanced protections, including high fines for exploitative practices and new training programs to strengthen our workforce.”

The Ontario Construction Secretariat called Labour Day a time for reflection and celebration.

“Labour Day, marking the end of summer, is rooted in a powerful working-class movement that began in Toronto,” stated an OCS release. “This day celebrates the tremendous contributions of unions, which have enhanced the middle class and improved working conditions.

The following highlight Labour Day events and reflections across Ontario. Events are Sept. 2 unless otherwise stated:

Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN): TCBN will participate in the Toronto & York Region Labour Council’s Labour Day Parade.

Barrie and District Labour Council: Hosts a Labour Day event at Heritage Park, Barrie, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hamilton & District Labour Council: Celebrates Labour Day with a parade at 10:30 a.m. from Bay St. N and Stuart St., followed by a picnic at Bayfront Park from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Oakville & District Labour Council: Holds a Labour Day event at 980 Fraser Dr., Burlington, on Sept. 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Grey Bruce Labour Council: Organizes a Labour Day Parade starting at Home Hardware on Goderich Street, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Waterloo Regional Labour Council: Hosts a Labour Day celebration at Waterloo Park from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Peel Regional Labour Council: Holds a Labour Day event at Ken Whillans Square, Brampton, on Sept. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Leeds and Grenville Labour Council: Organizes a Labour Day movie event on Sept. 1, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 235 King Street West, Brockville.

Durham Region Labour Council: Celebrates with a picnic at Memorial Park Oshawa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kingston and District Labour Council: Hosts a Labour Day Parade and BBQ at McBurney Park, Kingston, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ottawa and District Labour Council: Holds a Labour Day march from City Hall to a picnic at McNabb Park. The march starts at 12 p.m., followed by the picnic from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Quinte Labour Council: Organizes a BBQ and community event at Parkdale Community Centre, Belleville, on Sept. 1, from noon to 2 p.m.

Timmins & District Labour Council: Hosts a rally at Gillies Lake Conservation Area from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a BBQ at Hollinger Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

North Simcoe Muskoka & District Labour Council: Holds a Labour Day event at Couchiching Park, Orillia, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept 1.

Sault Ste. Marie & District Labour Council: Celebrates Labour Day at Roberta Bondar Pavilion from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sudbury & District Labour Council: Hosts a Labour Day event at Delki Dozzi Track from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a sensory hour from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Thunder Bay & District Labour Council: Organizes a Labour Day picnic at Current River Park from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Lindsay & District Labour Council: Hosts a Labour Day picnic at Memorial Park, Lindsay, on Sept. 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Peterborough & District Labour Council: Celebrates with a Labour Day BBQ at Nicholl’s Oval Park from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Brantford & District Labour Council: Hosts the 68th Annual Labour Day Soapbox Derby with registration at 8 a.m. and races starting at 9 a.m. at Icomm Drive.

London and District Labour Council: Holds a Labour Day BBQ at East Lions Community Centre from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Windsor and District Labour Council: Celebrates with a parade and picnic starting at 10 a.m. at 1855 Turner Rd., moving to Lanspeary Park.

Stratford & District Labour Council: Organizes a free swim at Stratford Lions Pool on Sept. 1, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Niagara Regional Labour Council: Hosts the Community Days Parade at Pen Centre, St. Catharines, starting at 11 a.m.

Sarnia & District Labour Council: Holds a Labour Day Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. from Wellington St. at Christina St. to Centennial Park.

North Bay & District Labour Council: Celebrates Labour Day with a brunch at OPSEU Hall from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a march/rally from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.