The Cornwall and District Labour Council’s annual Labour Day functions in Lamoureux Park are taking on a political flavour this year.
The fight Premier Dalton McGuinty is waging with Ontario teachers over wage freezes and negotiations is fueling political vitriol that has made its way to the local labour celebration.
“As we celebrate and as we march we will be very conscious of the fact that the struggle for rights and working conditions is never finished,” said labour council president Elaine MacDonald. “Collective bargaining is the heart of the union movement and is chief among the many rights workers hold dear. At the moment, in Ontario, the provincial government is attacking the collective bargaining rights of teachers, so this year’s Labour Day celebration has a distinctly political edge.”
The Cornwall & District Labour Council is inviting the public to Lamoureux Park on Labour Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The 2012 celebration brings back Trevor Walsh who will perform and provide backup for local musical groups.
Participation is a key element in Labour Day fun and the hoola hoop and twist contests provide ample opportunity for everyone to get involved. Little John and his popular clown act will return and the ever-popular electric train will be running nonstop. There will be face-painting and games for kids too.
