OTTAWA, ONTARIO, September 3, 2010—On September 6, Canadians will celebrate Labour Day, a tradition that has been observed on the first Monday of September for more than 115 years. On this occasion, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Minister of Labour, expressed her thanks to workers for their hard work and contributions to Canada’s prosperity.
“As we spend time with family and friends this Labour Day weekend, it is also an opportunity to think of the invaluable contributions of Canada’s workers to our nation’s economic growth and competitiveness,” said Minister Raitt. “Today, thanks in large part to Canada’s Economic Action Plan, nearly 400 000 more Canadians have jobs than a year ago. Our government remains committed to creating jobs and continuing to guide Canada’s fragile economic recovery out of the global economic recession.”
According to the most recent Labour Force Survey, there are over 17 million people working in Canada, and over 67 percent of all Canadians are participating in the workforce.
“This year, Labour Day has special significance as it marks the 110th anniversary of the Labour Program,” added the Minister. “While the Labour Program remains true to its fundamental mission of fostering safe, innovative and productive workplaces and cooperative work relations, we also recognize the importance of a well‑functioning workplace to the economic growth of the country.”
The Government of Canada’s Labour Program offers services to over 128 000 workplaces and 1 million people across the country. It is present in all federally regulated sectors of the economy, including transportation, communications, banking and Crown corporations. In addition, the Labour Program is responsible for administering numerous acts, such as the Canada Labour Code; the Fair Wages and Hours of Labour Act; the Employment Equity Act; the Non-smokers’ Health Act; the Government Employees’ Compensation Act; and the Status of the Artist Act.
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For more information on the Labour Program, please visit the following website: www.labour.gc.ca.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Jocelyne Turner
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
