Labour Day in Canada is commemorated on the first Monday of September. The initial purpose of the law was to give workers a means to lobby for improved working conditions and compensation. Many Canadians now have extra time off because of this day.
What is Labour Day in Canada?
The first Monday of September marks the annual observance of Labour Day in Canada, a federally recognized day of celebration.
Although there has been pressure on the government to move Labor Day to May 1—the date on which it is observed in the vast majority of other countries—the date in September has been maintained.
Aside from being a break from tradition, shifting the holiday could have been seen as bringing the Canadian labor movements in line with internationalist sympathies. The fact that Labor Day is already celebrated on that date in the United States is another compelling argument in favor of keeping the current date in September.
What is the History of Labour Day in Canada?
Canada's Labor Day commemorates the 1872 Toronto printer's revolution, during which workers sought to establish a maximum 54-hour workweek. Organizers were imprisoned since union activity was illegal at the time. Over ten thousand people responded by organizing protest marches. As a result, Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald eventually arranged for the organizers' release and repealed the anti-union laws.
Supporters of the Nine-Hour Movement and the printers' strike organized parades, which have since become an annual event. In 1894, under the leadership of Prime Minister John Thompson, the date was designated as a national holiday in Canada.
What Activities Do Canadians Do?
Trade unions used to orchestrate parades and picnics for Labour Day as a way to advocate for and celebrate workers' rights. Some Canadians still associate Labour Day with this, but for the vast majority, the first Monday in September is a time to spend with loved ones at barbecues, fairs, concerts, and fireworks show or to take one last trip of the summer. For high school students and others, the Labor Day weekend is the last opportunity to have a big bash before the start of the new school year.
Some Canadian football fans may devote most of their weekend to watching the games in the Labour Day Classic, either in person or on television. Three of the CFL's best teams will square off in this year's Labour Day Classic. Two games are played on Labor Day, with one on Sunday before.
How is the Public Life During Labour Day in Canada?
Post offices in Canada and many other companies and organizations are closed on Labour Day. Since Labour Day comes toward the end of the summer vacation, schools and other educational establishments are also closed. Several public transportation services operate on a scaled-back or "Sunday" basis, while some might not operate at all. It is possible that there could be some minor interruption to traffic around parades, notably in Toronto. Additionally, there may be some congestion on roads and airports as people return from holidays or excursions taken throughout the late summer.