Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking International Workers’ Day:

“Today, on International Workers’ Day, we honour working people in British Columbia, across Canada and around the world. It is also a time to acknowledge the ongoing struggle for workers’ dignity and rights.

“International Workers’ Day evolved in the late 19th century out of the struggle for an eight-hour day as workers sought more control over their own lives during a period of rapid industrialization. Labour unions have since fought for and won many of the rights that have set a moral standard for our society, such as restrictions on child labour and dangerous work, as well as social gains which we cherish today, such as holidays and weekends.

“Workers continue to face many challenges today as they feel the impacts that global volatility has on prices and on the cost of living.

“Our government is focused on taking action to prepare and protect people in B.C. We are growing an economy that is less reliant on outside forces, building more housing, creating good jobs and skills-training opportunities, and strengthening our public health-care system to protect the critical services people depend on every day.

“Over the next three years, we are doubling our investment in skilled trades training, so people can secure more good jobs as part of our Look West economic plan. This follows other moves to improve workers’ lives, including permanent paid sick leave, paid leave for those facing domestic or sexual violence and job-protected medical leaves for those with serious illness or injury.

“The interests of workers cross national boundaries. The unfair tariffs imposed by Donald Trump hurt workers both in Canada and the United States, and we will continue to make the case to Americans how fair-trade policies benefit workers in both countries.

“Workers are at the heart of our economy. We stand in solidarity with the workers of British Columbia, who work hard every day, helping to make British Columbia the dynamic, diverse place that it is.”

Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour, said:

“On International Workers’ Day, we honour the people whose hard work has built our province. Throughout history, working people have fought in gruelling conditions to win the rights we now cherish: from overtime pay to parental leave, to safer working conditions. We celebrate their legacy and we take up their commitment to dignity, equity, and opportunity for everyone.”