Advertisement

Annual parade celebrates labour movement in Saint John

Click to play video: 'Annual parade celebrates labour movement in Saint John'
Annual parade celebrates labour movement in Saint John
WATCH ABOVE: As Canada's oldest incorporated city, Saint John's Labour Day Parade holds extra meaning, and it was that long history that was celebrated by workers and politicians. Andrew Cromwell reports – Sep 4, 2017

The mood was celebratory as Saint John’s labour movement was recognized in the annual Labour Day parade.

Saint John is Canada’s oldest incorporated city and organized labour has always had a strong presence, something recognized by its leaders.

“Without labour, we couldn’t get anything done,” said Saint John Mayor Don Darling. “We have a very strong history in not only Saint John but in the province. So we come together and celebrate and say ‘Thanks.'”

Labour leaders say they have an important role to play. “Not only in the workplaces but in society itself,” said Chris Watson, a parade organizer and member of the Saint John District Labour Council. “It’s a day that we celebrate. We’ve been celebrating it now… it must be a 100 years or more.”

Story continues below advertisement

In a city facing a difficult financial situation like Saint John, the mayor acknowledges it can be a tricky balance but working in concert with organized labour is a must. “My approach would be to sit down and have a good discussion with whether it be a labour group or anyone else,” Darling said. “Talk about where we want to go and what we need to achieve and how we can get there together.”

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant will be shuffling his cabinet in the near future. In his annual Labour Day message, he said cabinet would contain a new portfolio: A ministry of labour, employment and population growth.”

Jennifer McKenzie is New Brunswick’s new NDP leader and part of the Saint John parade. “The proof is in the pudding,” said McKenzie. “I think we see what we see from this premier, and the fact that an election is coming, maybe he might start to think about some of the issues that matter to everyday workers.”

The New Brunswick election is scheduled for Sept. 24, 2018.

Sponsored content

AdChoices