Labour Day (Canada)

Labour Day in Canada is a public holiday in all provinces and territories, and it is observed on the first Monday of September.

Labour Day is a holiday to celebrate the achievements of workers. It has its origins in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.

In the 1800s, most workers had to work over 12 hours a day and 7 days a week to maintain a basic living, which led to the appearance of labour unions organizing strikes to improve the poor working conditions.

Many of the strikes turned violent at that time including the Haymarket Affair, which took place on May 4, 1886. The event started with a peaceful labour protest rally in support of the eight-hour workday near Chicago's Haymarket Square, but it turned into a riot when someone threw a bomb at police. Seven police and four civilians died, and many were wounded. The Haymarket Affair is generally considered as the origin of Labour Day.

In most countries, Labour Day is observed on May 1 each year to collectively demonstrate and recognize the efforts of the labour movements. However, Labour Day is celebrated in September in Canada.

The following is the list of Labour Day in Canada from 2022 to 2026.

Please check more public holidays in Canada: