Labour Day - Fête du Travail

Labour Day, known in French as Fête du Travail, is a federal statutory holiday in Canada celebrated on the first Monday of September. It honors the achievements and contributions of workers and the labour movement.

The holiday marks the unofficial end of summer in Canada, creating a three-day long weekend that many Canadians use for final summer activities before the school year begins. It is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

The labour movement in Canada gained momentum in the 1870s. The Toronto Printers' Strike of 1872 was a pivotal moment when workers demanded a nine-hour workday. After the strike, the Trade Union Act was passed, legalizing unions in Canada.

The first official Labour Day in Canada was celebrated in 1894, making Canada one of the first countries to establish a national labour holiday. Prime Minister Sir John Thompson declared Labour Day a national holiday that year.

The choice of September for Labour Day was influenced by American labor organizers who wanted to create a holiday separate from May Day, which was associated with socialist movements in Europe.

End of Summer Celebrations: Many Canadians view Labour Day weekend as the last chance for summer activities like camping, cottage visits, and barbecues.

Parades and Festivals: Some cities hold Labour Day parades organized by unions and workers' organizations, though these are less common than in the past.

Back-to-School Preparation: The weekend is often used for back-to-school shopping, as most Canadian schools resume classes the day after Labour Day.

Outdoor Activities: The long weekend is popular for camping, visiting national parks, attending festivals, and enjoying lakes and beaches one last time before fall.

Fashion Tradition: There's an old tradition of not wearing white clothing after Labour Day, marking the transition from summer to fall fashion.