Unions, politicians mark Labour Day with rally and march in Winnipeg

Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh was in Winnipeg Monday for the Labour Day rally and march at Memorial Park as his party looks to retain one of its stronghold ridings in a looming byelection.  

"Today's a day to celebrate all the things that we have because of the labour movement," said Singh. "Because of working people, we've got the 40-hour work week, we have weekends off, we have more safety in our workplaces for workers because of what was done by those who came before us and fought hard." 

Hundreds attended Monday afternoon's rally and march. It also marked the 130th anniversary of the Winnipeg Labour Council, said Gina McKay, president of CUPE Manitoba. 

McKay said Labour Day is an important occasion to mark and also recognizes the advancements in the labour movement for all workers. McKay said events were also held in Brandon and Thompson.

"We're coming together from associations and unions, public sector, private sector," said McKay. "All of us together [are] really showing the power and strength of workers."

Kevin Rebeck, the president of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, also echoed the celebratory Labour Day messages. 

"This day really is about celebrating the achievement of workers and people who stand up and fight for it," said Rebeck. "Everyone here are activists and leaders in their unions and need to be applauded and thanked for their efforts."

Meanwhile, Singh's appearance in Winnipeg comes as the Sept. 16 Elmwood-Transcona byelection approaches. Advance polling opens Sept. 6 according to the Elections Canada website.

The NDP has represented Elmwood-Transcona and its predecessor riding, Winnipeg-Transcona, during all but four years of the electoral district's 36-year existence. Conservative Lawrence Toet sat in the eastern Winnipeg seat from 2011 to 2015.

Daniel Blaikie held the seat for nearly a decade and his late father Bill was the MP for almost 30 years before that. It was vacated when Daniel Blaikie resigned earlier this year for a role advising Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew's government. 

Labour has also been a prominent theme during the byelection campaign. Labour leaders threw their support behind NDP candidate Leila Dance last month. 

The Conservatives are running union member Colin Reynolds, who is an electrician. He received an endorsement from the international vice-president of a major union last month. 

Ian MacIntyre is the candidate for the Liberals and also has union experience. 

MacIntyre spent 24 years as a teacher with the River East Transcona School Division and was previously the president of the Manitoba Teachers' Society.