Good jobs, living wages, affordability and climate justice are at the forefront in a Labour Day celebration coming to Burnaby.
The New Westminster & District and Vancouver & District labour councils are jointly hosting a free, family-friendly Metro Vancouver Labour Day celebration this year at Edmonds Park (7433 Humphries Ave.).
On Monday, Sept. 4, several attendees including the presidents of the two labour councils, B.C. Premier David Eby and Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley will be in attendance for the Labour Day celebrations at Edmonds Park.
According to a news release, the theme of this year's Labour Day is "Canada's Unions: Lifting Everyone Up."
"Labour Day is about recognizing working people, celebrating the work of our labour movement, and recommitting ourselves to building a better future for all," said Louella Vincent, president of the New Westminster & District Labour Council.
"We're excited to be bringing labour and community together across the whole Metro region for one big celebration."
The intent is to highlight the theme while tying it back to local issues, the release noted.
Vancouver & District Labour Council president Stephen von Sychowski also said the labour movement is all about lifting everyone up.
"That's why we're fighting for good jobs and living wages, affordability, quality care, and climate justice, not just for union members, but for all," he said.
The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. with speeches and continue till 2:30 p.m. with the fun elements — including games, bouncy castles for kids, entertainment, live music, food and more.
Vincent added they also wanted to highlight the need to combat hate and extremism "including the economic extremism of a system which allows the hoarding of untold wealth by a few while others increasingly struggle to get by."
The event, according to him, is about supporting one another, lending a hand and about solidarity.
