Kurt Lawton mentioned how much he appreciates his union.
“I don’t think I’d be probably where I am now. Like I wouldn’t own a house, probably still be renting. I wouldn’t have three kids, couldn’t afford it. It gives me a lot,” he said Monday morning just before the annual Labour Day Parade in Port Elgin began.
He’s been attending the parade since joining the Li UNA 1059 labourers’ union nearly 20 years ago. Although he grew up in Port Elgin, he now lives in nearby Tara.
It’s a great time to work in trades and get involved, especially with the federal government’s response to tough U. S. tariffs, which includes investing in large projects like ports, new railways, mines, energy corridors, and millions more affordable homes.
Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted these projects in a Labour Day statement on Monday and mentioned plans to recruit 100,000 skilled trades workers by 2031, which includes funding for the Union Training and Innovation Program.
“For generations, unions have made our economy stronger and our country fairer,” the statement said. “They have fought for better pay, safer workplaces, pensions, benefits, and paid leave – ensuring that prosperity and opportunity are shared among the many.”
Kurt Lawton with his daughters, Maddie, 16; Delia, 14; and Tessa, 10 at the annual Labour Day Parade in Port Elgin on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. SCOTT DUNN / THE SUN TIMES/POSTMEDIA NETWORK
Lawton mentioned that he’s aware of that program and thinks his union received funding from it while other unions were also seeking some assistance. He believes members of his union might be less affected by the tariffs compared to others.
“I think it’s going to hit us all. It’s all going to damage us but in the end I think we’ll all make it out better. Realistically if we can stop giving everything to the States I think we’re going to do a lot better.”
Union members are currently constructing Li UNA Local 1059’s new $12.7-million training center located in Walkerton’s business park. About half of this cost is covered by the Ontario Skills Development Fund. Set to open next year, this center will provide youth training and apprenticeship programs so locals won’t need to travel to London for training.
The parade kicked off with a pipe and drum band marching down Goderich Street-Port Elgin’s main street-where people handed out candy and pens while wishing those along the sidewalk a happy Labour Day.
Micheline Stacey blew bubbles throughout the parade route as she invited people aboard free shuttles heading for complimentary lunch at the Unifor conference centre just south of town where a week-long event for union retirees is taking place.
Micheline Stacey creates bubbles which Mayra, 2; Krisha, 2; and Parth, 4 try to touch at the annual Labour Day Parade in Port Elgin on Monday September 7th ,2026. SCOTT DUNN / THE SUN TIMES/POSTMEDIA NETWORK
A pickup truck drove slowly by playing Dolly Parton’s famous song “9 to 5,” an anthem for working women featuring lyrics like “Workin’ 9 to 5 what a way to make a livin’. Barely gettin’ by it’s all takin’ no givin.’”
This year there were around thirty unions or affiliates represented in the parade including retired members such as boiler workers ironworkers insulators Canadian Union of Public Employees education unions SEIU healthcare Li UNA labourers among others.
Edith Claeren from Port Elgin took a moment from watching for her daughter who recently joined a union at Bruce Power that was participating in this year’s parade saying “I totally support the unions. I never belonged to one during my life,” she added with laughter.
“They support ordinary workers , and we need keep industry here instead of sending jobs away because of U. S tariffs.” She expressed that trade issues were “very much so” on her mind this Labour Day adding “If we don’t support Canada and its workforce our country could fall apart.”
Grey-Bruce Labour Council president Kevin Smith noted after today’s events that one major topic people discussed was protecting jobs within education social services pointing out underlying worries about economic threats from America.
“Doug Ford sending some contracts over stateside,” he remarked regarding criticism aimed towards Ontario’s premier after reports emerged about U. S companies being awarded work related subway highway maintenance as well as provincial funds requiring supplies purchased through Staples , which is based out of America.
Smith praised Prime Minister ‘s announcement regarding construction plans for new passenger trains set up locally – ensuring job security here. p>
Education workers joined together during this year ’ s Labor day parade held on September seventh two thousand twenty six right across downtown port elgin bringing energy excitement into community ! SCOTT DUNN / THE SUN TIMES/POSTMEDIA NETWORK
Source link
