Summer’s last hurrah: exploring labour day past and present

For most Canadians, Labour Day means a few things – the end of an all-too-short summer, the imminent return of the school year, and a last chance to squeeze in a sunny day at the beach before the chilly start of autumn.

But what do we really know about this strangely-named holiday, beyond the fact that it gives us one final summer long weekend? If you’d asked me this last year, I’d say “It’s something to do with labour, right?” And while that’s true (and glaringly obvious), I now know better – the history behind this iconic holiday is more complex than that.

 

So before we point you to some Labour Day events around the country, let’s take in a little history and give this end-of-summer holiday the attention it deserves.

 

 

 Labour Day Parade, Toronto 1900

 

Like the name suggests, Labour Day (spelled Labor in the U.S.A) is a yearly statutory holiday celebrating the achievement of workers. But what’s now known as the last long weekend of summer has its origins in the working class struggle of late 19^th century Canada.

 

 

By the end of the 1800’s, Canada was rapidly changing nation – the population was booming and immigrants were pouring in. Industrialization was changing the landscape of the economy, and by extension, its workforce. Machines began replacing people, and these formerly well-employed Canadians now suffered from low wages, long work hours and bad working conditions.

 

These were the circumstances that led to the first Labour Day in Canada. In December 1872, the Toronto Typographical Union was on strike, after years of lobbying for a shorter work week. Soon, other workers joined in the TTU’s fight for better working conditions.

 

 

On April 14^th of that year, 2,000 Toronto workers marched through the city’s streets in solidarity, picking up supporters along the way. By the time they reached Queen’s Park, 10,000 labourers (a tenth of the city) had joined in their parade.

 

After watching the demonstrations unfold, Canada’s then Prime Minister, John A. Macdonald, repealed the outdated British law criminalizing unions. And although Canadian workers didn’t get the nine-hour workday that they’d fought for, they discovered that they were no longer powerless in the face of industrialization – if they worked together, employers and government took notice, and listened.

 

 

After that April day in 1872, Labour Day celebrations continued to take place every year as a celebration of worker’s rights. The celebration spread throughout the country, and in 1894 was finally declared a national holiday.

 

Over time, the focus of Labour Day shifted from a workers’ celebration of solidarity to a popular holiday marking the end of summer. But this Monday, whether you’re at the beach soaking up the sun or on the patio grilling up a steak, take a moment to remember those pioneers of Canadian labour. Without them, we wouldn’t the rights and benefits we take for granted today – not to mention, this last sunny day off. Now get out there and enjoy summer’s last hurrah!

 

 

 

 

Let’s face it: Canadian summers are short. We don’t have much time to enjoy this season, so we want to milk it for all it’s worth. Canadians love Labour Day, because summer just wouldn’t be complete without squeezing in that one last sunny getaway.

 

Here’s a (by no means extensive) list of what’s happening from coast to coast this September 1^st:

 

 

If you’re staying in the city this Labour Day long weekend, why not take in the annual Canadian International Air Show? From Saturday to Monday, 1 to 4 pm, look to the Toronto sky for some incredible aerial stunts from the classic Canadian Snowbirds, the CF-18 Hornet, the Trojan Horsemen and others. The air show is best viewed from the waterfront grounds of the CNE, so go ahead, make a day of it – head to the CNE this weekend then catch the air show in the afternoon!

 

 

If you’re on the West coast, make your way to Whistler for some Labour Day fun – the town’s free concert series winds down this weekend with the music of Dallas Smith, Headwater, Matt Nathanson and more. While you’re there, sit down to some world-class dining experiences with the Araxi Longtable Dinner event at Lost Lake in Whistler Valley, and the Winemaker Dinners at Steeps Grill & Wine Bar.

 

 

Out on the East Coast, Halifax will be hosting its 24^th annual Atlantic Fringe Festival, taking place this Thursday August 24^th to next Sunday, September 7^th. This event is a Halifax cultural staple, and will feature more than 50 shows, including music, art, theater, dance and comedy acts. Events take place in theaters and galleries across the city, so make sure you’re sporting comfortable footwear if you plan on catching multiple shows!  

 

 

You can soak up the Calgary Highland Games if you’re in Alberta this weekend, Saturday August 30^th at the Springbank Park for All Seasons. Come out to catch the traditional piping and dancing competitions, entertainment, shopping and more – whether you’re a Scot or not!