From Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
On Labour Day, we celebrate the workers who have built our country and made workplaces from coast to coast to coast safer, more equitable, and more just.
“This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Winnipeg General Strike, one of the most influential strikes in Canadian history. It launched a labour movement that fought for – and won – many of the benefits and protections Canadian workers can count on today. From universal healthcare to fair wages, weekends, and paid vacations, the movement transformed the lives of millions of Canadians, and laid the foundations of a growing economy and a strong middle class.
“A century later, Canadian workers remain at the heart of building a stronger Canada and a better future. Our government is proud to be their ally and partner. Since 2015, the Government of Canada has made major strides to support Canadian workers – thanks in part to the incredible advocacy of workers and unions across the country. Together, we protected collective bargaining rights, and repealed anti-union legislation passed in 2014 and 2015. We worked with our provincial partners to strengthen the Canada Pension Plan. We passed new regulations to stop the use of new asbestos in Canada, as well as legislation to protect employees from harassment and violence, and make workplaces safer. And in the last four years, we’ve seen the creation of over a million new jobs for people from coast to coast to coast.
“Our government has also made unprecedented investments in skills training, to help Canadians get the skills and experience they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market and an increasingly competitive global economy. Budget 2019 announced the new Canada Training Benefit to help provide workers with the time and money to improve their skills or learn new ones. We are also making post-secondary education more affordable, promoting good-quality careers in the skilled trades, and taking steps to make sure that in the future there is a work placement for every student who wants one.
“Canadian workers are the backbone of our success, and our future. We will always stand up for workers and their families, and make sure they have the support they need to succeed in the jobs of today and tomorrow.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I wish all Canadians a safe and happy Labour Day.”
From BC Premier John Horgan:
“On Labour Day, we recognize the millions of working people in British Columbia and around the globe who have fought, and continue to fight, for workers’ rights.
“The rights we enjoy today would not exist without the hard-fought victories of unions. Minimum wage, weekends and holidays, job security, parental leave, vacation and overtime pay, protection from discrimination and harassment, and safety standards, are the result of collective action grounded in the belief that all working people deserve to be treated fairly.
“It is important that we continue to stand up for fairness, equality and security at work. We need to make sure our economy is working for everyone, workers and employers, not just the people at the top. This belief drives our government’s work to make life better for people in B.C. every day.
“This work includes raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2021, so people with lower incomes can afford necessities. As of June 1, 2019, the minimum wage in B.C. is $13.85.
“This year, we made amendments to the Employments Standards Act that raise the working age for children, make sure people are paid the wages they are owed, and provide job protection for people dealing with domestic or sexual violence, or caring for the critically ill.
“We are providing more support for first responders who serve British Columbians and risk their personal safety in emergency situations. We have made presumptive coverage available to workers who experience trauma on the job and are at more risk of developing mental illnesses, like firefighters, police officers, paramedics, nurses, emergency dispatchers and publicly funded health-care aides.
“Our government is committed to making workplaces in British Columbia the safest in Canada. A review of B.C.’s workers’ compensation system is underway, so that every worker going through the system knows they will be treated with dignity and respect.
“And to improve protections and supports for foreign workers who are vulnerable to abuse, our government brought in the new Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act.
“We still have much more to do, but I am proud of the progress we are making. Together with our partners in the labour movement, we will continue to stand up for vulnerable workers and prioritize worker health and safety, so that we can build a better future for all British Columbians.
“Happy Labour Day!”
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