Barb Dolan mentioned it’s been a bit of a “silly season” since the “man down south” took over sometime in November.
She is, of course, referring to President Donald Trump and his tough tariff policies that have impacted Canadian workers directly.
“Brothers and sisters, we stand together,” Dolan told the assembled union members at the Unifor Family Education Centre on Labour Day. “We unite here on the streets of Port Elgin, and today we come together on streets across the country.”
The Mc Laren Pipe and Drum band leads the Labour Day Parade in Port Elgin on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Greg Cowan/The Sun Times
Thousands of union members and supporters marched down Goderich Street during the annual Labour Day parade on Monday.
This event comes as Canada faces significant challenges from U. S. tariffs affecting various industries and jobs. According to a report by Ontario’s Financial Accountability Office (FAO), Ontario lost 38,000 jobs in the second quarter of 2025, with most job losses happening in manufacturing due to these tariffs.
“Because of what’s happening south of the border, solidarity right now is as important as it gets,” said Dave Trumble, vice president of Grey Bruce Labour Council in Bruce County.
Barb Dolan from Unifor national (left), and members of the Grey Bruce Labour Council, lead the Labour Day Parade in Port Elgin on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Greg Cowan/The Sun Times
Trumble pointed out that back in 1996 when this parade started in Port Elgin, only a few hundred people participated.
“Today, you saw it out there; we had at least 2,500,” he said.
The president of Grey Bruce Labour Council expressed how incredible it was to see such a turnout with many community members lining Goderich Street to watch the parade.
The Grey Bruce Labour Council was founded in 1956 and highlighted that this year’s Labour Day has significant international relevance but also emphasized local issues like Doug Ford’s Bill 5 should not be overlooked.
Unions have been making headlines lately due to high-profile strikes or threats from Air Canada employees, Canada Post staffers, and LCBO workers.
Trumble acknowledged that strikes are intended to be “inconvenient,” which can understandably frustrate people; however he noted that no union desires to resort to such measures.
Hundreds of people march down Goderich Street (Highway 21) in Port Elgin for the Labour Day Parade on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Greg Cowan/The Sun Times
He remarked that Air Canada seemed to be waiting for government intervention instead of engaging at negotiations.
“Air Canada chose not to come to the bargaining table,” he stated.
The Toronto and York Region Labour Council reported more back-to-work orders were issued last year than any other year recorded in Canadian history.
Smith added that when people get informed about these matters they typically support employees resolving these prominent labor disputes.
“Once folks understand better what’s going on they tend to side with them,” he said.
This year’s parade kicked off at eleven o’clock at Home Hardware located along Goderich Street before proceeding towards Maple Square led by Mc Laren Pipe and Drum band.
Afterwards participants along with community members were invited over to Unifor Family Education Centre at115 Shipley Ave., Port Elgin for lunch along with prize draws and speeches planned out afterward. The Powers Workers’ Union organized a membership appreciation event later that afternoon too.
Hundreds of people march down Goderich Street (Highway 21) in Port Elgin for the Labour Day Parade on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Greg Cowan/The Sun Times
A statement released by Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that workers are central to his government’s goal of building “Canada Strong.”
The unions throughout Canada have always stood by their belief: what we desire for ourselves should extend universally – advocating fairness alongside dignity among all workers ensuring equitable opportunities including minimum wages alongside weekends off while maintaining safety standards plus worker benefits – achieved through relentless advocacy from unions,” Carney remarked
.
This day has roots dating back toward late nineteenth century where individuals campaigned seeking improved working conditions along numerous sectors across Canada leading substantial victories such as paid vacations plus maternity leave legislation establishment-35-hour workweeks coupled alongside enhancements regarding workplace security provisions altogether!
Kids pass out candy to onlookers as hundreds of people march down Goderich Street (Highway 21) in Port Elgin for the Labour Day Parade on Monday , Sept. １，２０２５. Greg Cowan /The Sun Times
This Labor day marks new law activation banning replacement worker usage amid strikes & lockouts within federally regulated workplaces effective since June enhancing labor action efficiency executed via unions.
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