Statement by New Democrat leader Jack Layton on Labour Day

Today New Democrats across the country honour and give thanks to the millions of workers across Canada who help make our country the best place in the world to live.
From Nanaimo to St. John’s, Yellowknife to Trois-Rivières, hard-working men and women keep our communities moving, drive innovation and provide the backbone of our economy. Canada is truly blessed with a labour force and a trade union movement that are dedicated and resilient.
The past few years have not been easy. The worst economic crisis in generations, as well as foreign takeovers at places like Vale Inco and Xstrata, has left our workforce battered. This Labour Day some 1.5 million Canadians find themselves out of a job—unsure of when or from where their next paycheque will come.
Yet in Ottawa, Stephen Harper’s Conservatives continue to wash their hands of working families.
But a brighter future is possible. That’s why New Democrats remain committed to putting workers first. We’ve introduced plans to strengthen EI and CPP/QPP, protect pensions from corporate creditors and keep well-paying, family-supporting jobs here in Canada.
After all, true economic recovery can only happen when our workers are back on their feet.
So as we gather today with friends and family, I hope you’ll join me in saluting the immense contributions of Canada’s workers. This Labour Day, let’s all commit to a Canada of opportunity and fairness for every one of our working men and women.