/R E P E A T -- Statement from Minister Leitch on the 120th Anniversary of Labour Day in Canada/

OTTAWA, Aug. 29, 2014 /CNW/ - To mark the upcoming Labour Day holiday on September 1, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, issued the following statement:

"This year marks the 120^th anniversary of Labour Day in Canada, a testament to the fact that Canada has a long history of valuing workers' rights, safety and equality.

Our Government works hard to protect the well-being of working Canadians. By collaborating with employers and employees to make their workplaces safe, protecting wages, promoting employment equity, and supporting cooperative labour-management relations, the Labour Program helps ensure that federally regulated workplaces are healthy, fair, and productive.

On September 4^th and 5^th, I will be in Halifax to meet with my provincial and territorial counterparts to discuss current and emerging labour issues, such as how we can better address the issue of mental health in the workplace and how best to promote the health and safety of young workers.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many contributions of working Canadians. Our country's economic well-being depends on the strength of our labour force. That's why our Government remains committed to working with employers, employees, and other stakeholders to keep workplaces fair, safe, and productive so that Canadians can continue to prosper and Canada can continue to thrive in the global economy."

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada