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Labour Day

Labour Day celebrates the rights' of workers in Canada. Although, celebrations are individual. It falls on the first Monday of September and many people choose to plan a vacation for this long weekend.

Upcoming Dates & Where They Are Celebrated

Labour Day is observed everywhere in Canada on the first Monday of September. Here are the upcoming dates for Labour Day:

  • Monday, September 4, 2017
  • Monday, September 3, 2018
  • Monday, September 2, 2019
  • Monday, September 7, 2020
  • Monday, September 6, 2021
  • Monday, September 5, 2022
  • Monday, September 4, 2023
  • Monday, September 2, 2024
  • Monday, September 1, 2025

Where Is Labour Day Considered A Holiday?

Labour Day is considered a holiday everywhere in Canada. The government offices and post offices are all closed for observation. All schools and other educational facilities will be closed as well. Although, Labour Day is the end of summer, so school would already be out of session. Public transporation runs on a typical holiday schedule, or not at all. In Toronto, there are parades, so the traffic is often backed up. It is a statutory holiday, so most businesses are closed. This allows families time together before the young ones head back to school.

Festivities & Events During Labour Day

In Toronto, there are parades to celebrate Labour Day. Although Labour Day is intended to raise attention to workers' right, many Canadians choose to celebrate their own way. This often includes a camping trip to enjoy the final last weekend of summer. If you're planning a holiday on Labour Day weekend, make sure to account for traffic because it's going to be busy. Those who don't go away for the weekend often have cook-outs or barbecues'. These are shared with friends and family. There is often drinking, especially with the younger crowed. It is the last weekend before school is back in session so there are many parties to be found.

A Brief History Of Labour Day

Labour Day first started in 1872. It fell on April 15, when the Toronto Trades Assembly organized a demonstration regarding the rights of the workers. There were no unions at the time, and nine-hour working days. The TTA encouraged the formation of trade unions, which are mainly still in play for workers' rights. These actions led to the Canadian Labour Congress in 1883.