News Release Archive
LABOUR--MINISTER'S LABOUR DAY MESSAGE -------------------------------------------------------------- The following message was issued today by Labour Minister Manning MacDonald: If you looked up the word "labour" in the dictionary, you'd come across meanings such as "to work" or "to make an effort." But here in Nova Scotia, we don't have to consult a dictionary to find the true meaning of labour. All we have to do is look around us to see hard working Nova Scotians contributing to our province day in and day out. Whether I'm home on Cape Breton Island or travelling across the province, I've seen many examples of this. In fact, around the world, Nova Scotia's workforce has a reputation for being highly skilled, hard working, productive and motivated. In this province, our people are our greatest resource. The history of Labour Day begins with organized labour. The first unofficial labour days in Canada were actually protests against laws which proclaimed unions illegal. In 1872, that law was quite rightly abolished. And in 1894, government passed a new law declaring Labour Day as a national day of recognition for workers across the country. The contributions of organized labour continue today --over 100 years later. Government is committed to working with labour, workers and employers to make our province a better place to live and work. Through the Department of Labour, government provides a network of support to workers and employers. We are here to ensure that labour laws are fair, balanced and up-to-date. We are working to ensure that people get a fair deal in the workplace. These days there are many challenges facing workers. But there are also new opportunities. Our greatest drawing card in attracting new investment, new employers and new jobs is the strength of our workforce. We have a lot of potential, and companies across the world are starting to recognize it. On this Labour Day, I commend Nova Scotia's workers, past and present, for making a difference in our province. Your contributions to our economy and our communities are invaluable. I look forward to working for you and with you in the coming year. Have a safe and happy Labour Day. -30- Contact: Jennifer MacIsaac 902-424-4680 or 902-424-3219 mfm Aug.27,1996 3:10 p.m.