Labor Day in Canada (05/09)

On the first Monday of September, Canada celebrates Labor Day —, an official national holiday in honor of all workers in the country.

In Canada, the birth of Labor Day is considered to be April 15, 1872, when the Toronto Trades Union Assembly organized the first significant demonstration for workers' rights, 10 years earlier than the day from which Labor Day celebrations are counted in the neighboring United States. But, despite the fact that Canadian workers turned out to be more progressive in defending their rights, it is believed that the beginning of this holiday was laid by American workers in 1882.

The spirit and ideological basis of Labor Day have changed markedly over time. Parades, demonstrations, just processions through the streets have faded away. But here are addresses and speeches from famous people, trade union leaders, government and political figures, representatives of the clergy and workers of the Canadian education system heard on this day and today.

The first Monday of September is not limited to a single holiday in Canada: the Rescue Service celebrates its birthday on the same day. After all, it was on the same day in September 1997 that Canadian doctors, the fire service and the police united and created National Service 911. On the occasion of the professional holiday of the Rescue Service, on this day, children are given books about a safe lifestyle in some Canadian stores. And there are a great many children with their parents making final preparations and purchases for school in Canadian stores these days: after all, the start of the school year in Canada does not fall on September 1, but on the date following the holiday of Labor.

On Labor Day, major agricultural fairs begin operating in Canadian cities and various sporting events take place.

For working Canadians, Labor Day — is simply an additional day off at the intersection of the passing summer and the coming autumn, when it is customary to have picnics and barbecues, go to visits and to the cinema, and visit national parks. It turns out that Labor Day — is, in fact, a Day of Rest, allowing Canadians to take advantage of a long weekend break to go somewhere with the whole family on these last weekend before the new school year.

2269