Annual parade celebrates labour movement in Saint John

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.”

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.”

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.