Statement from the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch

OTTAWA, Aug. 29, 2014 /CNW/ - To mark Labour Day, 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.

Later this week, 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 unpaid interns and how to promote the health and safety of young workers. I also look forward to discussing new approaches to fostering psychologically healthy workplaces, and promoting workplace health and safety for all Canadian 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