Statement from Minister of Labour Steven MacKinnon on Labour Day.

Labour Day is a time to honor those who have built this country and continue to strengthen it every day. Achievements like better wages, collective bargaining rights, and safer working environments would not have been possible without the relentless efforts of Canadian workers and the labour movement. Today, we acknowledge the generations of Canadians who fought to secure these essential rights.

It was 152 years ago, in 1872, when 10,000 workers supported the Toronto Typographical Union’s strike for a nine-hour workday. Since then, the Canadian labour movement has grown stronger, championing safer and fairer working conditions across the nation.In the past year, we’ve worked closely with unions and employers in the spirit of tripartism to deliver meaningful outcomes for working families. One of the most significant labour law reforms in decades was achieved this year—the ban on replacement workers during strikes or lockouts. These workers often prolong disputes, create imbalances at the bargaining table, and can negatively affect workplaces for years. Additionally, we’ve introduced measures to protect gig workers from misclassification, reduce wage gaps, and establish the right to disconnect for those in federally regulated industries.Soon, new measures will be implemented to provide paid leave for parents experiencing pregnancy loss, as well as leave for adoption and surrogacy. By the end of this year, we will also introduce legislation to eliminate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, sending a strong message that forced labour has no place in Canada.None of this progress would be possible without the persistent advocacy of labour leaders. We will continue to collaborate with unions and employers to create prosperity for working families and build the Canada we aspire to be.Wishing everyone a Happy Labour Day.