Introducing the beginning of the post-parade celebrations at Club 63 was Kathy Oake, one of the organizers of the Labour Day itinerary and representing the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). She spoke on behalf of CLC national representative Mary Shortall, who was unable to attend.
“We didn’t have an official theme, but one of the things we strive for, and we’re on board with the CLC and their pensions campaign that’s been ongoing for the past few years,” she said. “An awful lot of people in our communities don’t realize that 1.6 million seniors in Canada don’t have the wage that befits the standard we require. They literally live in poverty.”
Her introduction was followed by Grand Falls-Windsor Mayor Al Hawkins, who paid homage to the tradition of Labour Day and the workers who “made the town what it is today.”
He also singled out long-time resident Nish Power, who is 83 and haven’t missed a Labour Day celebration in Grand Falls-Windsor since he was 15.
“One of the biggest resources we have that we don’t recognize enough is our people,” the mayor added. “Labour Day is an opportunity to reflect on our past and look forward to our future.”
Another speaker was Scott Simms, the Liberal MP for Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor. He paid tribute to workers, but also spent time talking about pensions,
“We’ve had a heck of an issue with pensions, as you know,” he said. “What Ms. Oake said was dead on the money and how we have to bring those impoverished out of poverty. The battle of security for pensions are still going on. The social costs are still there.”
Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans MHA Susan Sullivan, also minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, addressed the small crowd gathered for the Labour Day celebrations. She emphasized the importance of keeping the formal tradition of celebrating and recognizing Labour Day alive in Grand Falls-Windsor – the community has traditionally been seen as the seat of organized labour in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“One of the biggest resources we have that we don’t recognize enough is our people.” - Grand Falls-Windsor Mayor Al Hawkins
It is the only community in the province that celebrates Labour Day and holds a parade to mark the event.
“The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL) was first organized in Grand Falls-Windsor and will be celebrating its 75th anniversary next year,” she said. “This community has a strong labour presence. Together we have faced many issues and challenges over the years.”
NDP provincial leader Lorraine Michael also made the trip for the Labour Day parade; she has been doing so for the past several years.
“It’s very important to continue to have this parade,” she said. “It’s extremely important we recognize the role of organized labour in our society.
“I think the challenge we have ahead of use to ensure the quality of the salaries, the future of having pensions, continues,” she said.
Other speakers included Lana Payne, president of the NLFL Ray Hunter, the Tory MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Green Bay South and Clayton Forsey, PC MHA for Exploits.
“I’d like to commend the town council for going to the table and negotiating with the town employees,” said Ms. Payne. “The workers and citizens of this region, I’d like to commend for your resilience and not allowing the loss of the mill to keep you down.”
Mr. Hunter paid tribute to the workers of the province, and emphasize the importance of remembering the Labour Day holiday.
Mr. Forsey alluded to the benefits and struggles the labour movement has gone through over the years, even allowing workers to have valuable time off.
“It was because of labour I was able to enjoy the weekend; and it was labour that allowed me to enjoy the opportunity,” he said.
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