Since 1894, the first Monday in September has been recognized as Labour Day in Canada. Most think of it as the last long weekend of the summer before back-to-school or for Toronto, the end of The Canadian National Exhibition (The Ex). Arguably though, few understand the history nor significance of the day for workers in Canada, a day particularly important for newcomers seeking newfound work and opportunity in Canada.
The origin of Labour Day can be traced back to several labour demonstrations and celebrations. One momentous rally in 1872, in support of striking printers, led to the enactment of the Trade Unions Act, a law that legalized unions. And because of the tireless work of unions, many workers have a 40-hour work week, health benefits, paid time off, sick leave and safe working conditions.
The significance of these achievements won by the Canadian labour movement is not unknown to immigrants to Canada. In fact, countless newcomers, are motivated to move to Canada because of a strong desire to improve the standard of living for themselves and their families, specifically through accessing better employment. Often, many leave countries where unions are illegal and sub-standard working conditions are common.
YWCA Toronto’s JUMP Scarborough, an employment and settlement program that helps women find work and settle in their new homes, sees firsthand why newcomers choose Canada and our program on their journey to employment. Below are two short stories from JUMP Scarborough program participants, sharing in their own words the “why.”
DIA
“I was born in India but moved to Canada when my husband's job brought him here. I was a new mother at the time and dedicated myself to caring for my son. After he started school, I felt very lonely and started thinking about finding a job to gain some financial independence.
I found YWCA Toronto’s JUMP Scarborough through a flyer and joined the program in 2021. Here, I have learned so many new things and obtained one-on-one employment and settlement support. I have attended many workshops and training series, including ones on entrepreneurship, remote sales and customer care, emergency first aid and CPR, and public speaking. The staff at JUMP Scarborough are extremely helpful and friendly. I always feel very welcome.
Since joining JUMP Scarborough, I obtained my current job as a part-time customer service agent at Bell Canada. I am certain that the skills I have learned in this program played a big role in helping me secure this job. I have bigger dreams than ever. With the support of my JUMP Scarborough counsellor, I am now exploring the social services sector. I am excited about the possibility of giving back to my community and everything the future has in store.”
JANNATUL
“I immigrated to Canada from Bangladesh in 2016 with hopes of leading a healthier, safer and better life than I could back home. I had no idea what to expect during my immigration to Canada. Everything was so new and unknown to me, and I was nervous about my future. After I arrived, I realized that newcomers face many challenges, and I found myself struggling.
I joined YWCA Toronto's JUMP Scarborough program in October 2022. There, I attended several workshops to improve my skills, including food handling and professional office administration training. I also had the opportunity to go to job fairs to find new opportunities and meet with potential employers. I hope with my new skills and the support of YWCA Toronto, I will be able to settle—struggle and tension free—and enjoy a good life with my family.”
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YWCA Toronto is committed to offering employment and settlement supports that gives women and gender diverse people tools to thrive in the Canadian job market. And one of the first steps is helping them understand the rights and benefits of an employee in a country that celebrates their unions on Labour Day.
To learn more about our employment and settlement programs, visit our website.
YWCA Toronto is proud to be a unionized workplace, where staff are represented by CUPE Local 2189.