Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Labour Day:

“Labour Day is a time to honour and celebrate the working people who help shape our province, as well as to acknowledge all those who care for, protect and teach our families and build our communities.

“Workers are at the heart of B.C.’s economy. Working people and their unions are at the core of what makes this province the special place it is. In the face of unprecedented economic and environmental threats, we are building critical infrastructure here in British Columbia with the federal government and First Nations. Workers and unionized labour will be at the centre of these projects as we make British Columbia the economic engine of Canada.

“This province was built by workers. Major nation-building projects in construction, clean energy, mining and advanced technology continue to advance across B.C. To help meet the demand for skilled workers, we have doubled the funding for training in the skilled trades with a $241-million investment. This increases per-seat funding for apprentice programs, addresses wait lists for critical industrial trades and advances skilled-trades certification, while ensuring workers can move easily between industries.

“Unions have a long and celebrated history in fighting for better lives for working people, from improving health and safety on the job to advocating for a more equitable society.

“Two months ago, British Columbia signed a prosperity agreement with the federal government acknowledging that child care is essential to economic growth. We will continue to work in partnership to ensure B.C.’s child care system is stable, adequately resourced and meets the evolving needs of families. B.C. has led this work across Canada, and investments have already saved B.C. working families more than $3 billion.

“Unionized workers and our government have done great things together, and we have more work to do. Our sleeves are rolled up. Let’s get it done.

“Happy Labour Day to everyone!”

Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour, said:

“Labour Day is an opportunity to recognize the many hard-working British Columbians and migrant workers who help build, strengthen and move our province forward every day. 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. As we celebrate working people, we honour their contributions by ensuring that every worker is treated with dignity and returns home safely to their loved ones at the end of their shift.”