Why do we celebrate Labour Day in Canada? While an extra day off of work is always something to celebrate, it might be nice to know exactly what you're getting the day off for. 

Anyone know the history of Labour Day? I didn't; so have just looked it up. Here's a link about Canada's Labour Day which in Vancouver began in 1890. Didn't know it was a holiday for so many years. https://t.co/Inl8hTTvFt
All about having better working conditions then.

— Wendy 🇨🇦 (@perfectrose2011) September 2, 2019

Labour Day falls on the first Monday of September and has been a statutory holiday in Canada since 1894, originating from workers' rallies, parades, speeches, picnics and competitions.

All of this was to promote working-class solidarity during a time of industrialization. 

Although the holiday is typically used for spending some quality time at the cottage these days, it was normally saved for festivities in connection to labour movements. 

Sept. 3, 1894: the International Labour Day holiday, inspired by Canadian Alexander Whyte Wright, was celebrated for the 1st time in Canada pic.twitter.com/DURVGBsDvu

— Toronto History (@torontohistory) September 3, 2020

It all started in September of 1882, following a labour convention in New York. The American Federation of Labour and the Knights of Labour began promoting workers' movements and celebrations, as did the Canadian branches of these organizations. 

On this day in 1894, Prime Minister Sir John Thompson officially declared Labour Day a national holiday. Labour day in Canada finds its roots in an 1872 printers strike which culminated in the passing of the Trade Unions Act. #canlab #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/eHjQ8o6y3B

— Labour History Girl (@labour_girl) July 23, 2020

As these grew, more than 50 labour organizations in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Manitoba and B.C. came together in 1894 in hopes of convincing members of parliament to make the day a legal holiday.

In May of 1894, the Canadian House of Commons passed the holiday law and in July of that same year, it received royal assent. 

While the spread of COVID-19 might make it bit more difficult to celebrate Labour Day 2020, it's the perfect opportunity to kick back with a cold drink, spend some time outside and most importantly, not work.