Marking the unofficial end of summer, most people know Labour Day in Canada for its extravagant parades and great shopping deals. Labour Day in Canada is an annual statutory holiday on the first Monday of every September. The holiday has a profound and complex history and many Canadians don’t know its significance. As we prepare for Labour Day, let’s remember to celebrate the workers, including immigrants, who built the country it is today. Discover the history of Labour Day, what it means for worker’s rights today, and how Canadians celebrate the holiday!
Why Do We Celebrate Labour Day?
The working class didn’t always have the rights we have in Canada today. Fair employment standards such as a safe workplace, a set minimum wage, and the right to join a union are some of the rights we take for granted today. The working class in the 19th century did not enjoy many of these rights. And, Canadian workers fought hard to gain these rights. Labour Day celebrates the progress and success of those dedicated to creating the workers’ rights and protections that we have today.
What is the History of Labour Day in Canada?
Labour Day officially became a statutory holiday in Canada in 1894. However, the holiday finds its origins long before that. Many historians accredit the events of 1872 as the driving force behind Labour Day. The Nine-Hour Movement of 1872 was a push for shorter work days at a time when most employees were expected to work twelve hours a day.
Nine-Hour Movement
On April 15, 1872, workers from the Toronto Typographical Union went on strike. They paraded with 10,000 union supporters to Queen’s Park in Toronto. At the time, however, unions were illegal and workers could not strike against their employers collectively. As a result, 24 strike leaders were arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy.
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The arrests met with widespread protest and the general population was enraged. Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, responded by promising to abolish anti-union laws. On July 14 of the same year, Parliament passed the Trade Unions Act, which made unions legal.
Labour Day Becomes a National Holiday
This was a huge breakthrough in workers’ rights. The passing of this bill gave way to many other rights that workers demanded. After the events of the Nine-Hour Movement, Toronto would hold an annual parade to celebrate the victory of unions. In 1894, Labour Day became a national holiday. At first, it was a holiday associated mostly with work unions. As time went on, however, more and more businesses started giving employees the day off. Today Labour Day is a statutory holiday across Canada and most workers get the day off.
Labour Day Weekend Holiday in Canada
Today, most people see Labour Day as the holiday that comes at the end of summer. However, the holiday still reflects what it originally stood for, a day for workers to rally together and campaign for better working conditions. This makes it a unique holiday. Unlike other Canadian statutory holidays, Labour Day is less festive. But, you will still see parades, picnics, speeches, and competitions.
Celebrations usually take place throughout the long weekend. Since most Canadians also get Monday off, the Labour Day Weekend has three days. Many Canadians use the Labour Day weekend to enjoy the company of family and friends. It is common for families to go on a picnic before the end of summer.
The first day of school usually follows the Labour Day holiday for most elementary, secondary, and university students. So, the Labour Day weekend in Canada is an opportunity for students to celebrate the last long weekend of the summer and prepare for the exciting new school year.
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Is Labour Day a Statutory Holiday?
Yes, Labour Day is a federal statutory holiday. Unlike most other statutory holidays, Labour Day is pretty straightforward. All government offices and almost all retail stores will be closed. Some convenience stores and restaurants may remain open. The day after Labour Day marks the first day of school for students so many people refer to Labour Day weekend as the end of summer in Canada.
When is Labour Day in Canada in 2024?
Labour Day falls on the first Monday of September every year. In 2024, Labour Day falls on September 2nd.
Celebrating Labour Day Weekend in Canada
Now that you know a little bit about how Labour Day came to be and how Canadians celebrate it, let’s talk about some of the popular events that take place on the Labour Day weekend in Canada. Two of the biggest and most anticipated events around Labour Day are the Pacific and Canadian National Exhibitions. The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) takes place in Toronto while the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) takes place in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Canadian National Exhibition
The CNE is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Every year, this Toronto event begins in the weeks leading up to Labour Day and welcomes 1.6 million visitors. This year, the CNE will start on August 16th and runs until Labour Day on September 2nd. To many, the exhibition is Toronto’s signature end-of-summer event. The CNE is one of North America’s top fairs.
Pacific National Exhibition
The PNE is Western Canada’s equivalent of the CNE. Like the CNE, the PNE comes to Vancouver yearly and runs for around two weeks leading to Labour Day. PNE will open on August 19th – September 2, 2024.
The PNE is full of entertaining performances, music concerts, exciting rides, and food. This year, some of the PNE events include:
- Summer Night Concerts
- Barkade from the SuperDogs
- Knights of Valour, a real live jousting event
- The Flying Fools High Dive Show
- Claude Monet’s multi-media artwork exhibit.
Both exhibitions are jam-packed with exciting activities and a thrilling summer send-off. They are a great way to spend time with family and friends while having the time of your life. The CNE and PNE might be the two biggest Labour Day events but they aren’t the only ones. No matter where you live, there will be events in cities across Canada. Many professional sports leagues also hold special games over the Labour Day Weekend.
With all of the exciting events that take place during the Labour Day holiday, remember to celebrate the workers, including immigrants, who built the country it is today and who continue to fight for workplace equity.
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
