To celebrate Labour Day, Canadian unions have launched a new website, fairnessworks.ca, to highlight how the labour movement is improving people's lives.

The site focuses on campaigns in a wide range of areas, including gender equity, better public pensions, justice for indigenous women, migrant worker rights, and banning asbestos.

Fairnessworks.ca also includes videos, like the one below highlighting good jobs.

Here in B.C., the labour movement has zeroed in on the minimum wage, which increases this month to $10.85 per hour in Canada's westernmost province. The B.C. Federation of Labour has called for a $15 an hour minimum wage, which NDP Leader John Horgan has promised to deliver if his party forms the next B.C. government.

For more on B.C. political parties' positions on the minimum wage, see this article by the Straight's Travis Lupick.

The roots of Labour Day in Canada can be traced to the Toronto Typographical Union's strike at the Globe and Mail newspaper in 1872. Many other labour groups supported the workers' call for a maximum work week of 54 hours. This led to legislation the following year creating the Trade Union Act.

It wasn't until 1894 that Labour Day became a national holiday in Canada. Today, there are several Labour Day events taking place across the province, including three listed below taking place in Metro Vancouver.

Swangard Stadium

The B.C. Federation, Vancouver & District Labour Council, and New Westminster & District Labour Council and various affiliates hold their annual Labour Day bash at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. Headlining the free event is the Vancouver alternative rock band 54-40.

Burnaby Village Museum

From 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., there's a free Labour Day Fair, including free carousel rides, at the charming Burnaby Village Museum at 6501 Deer Lake Avenue in Burnaby. The family-friendly event includes carnival games, a juggling performances by Matt Henry, an urban safari animal show, children's races, and a roving barbershop quartet.

Cleveland Park

The Luke Wallace Trio, Viper Central, Emberfield, the Jocelyn Pettit Band, and Jen Hodge All Stars are all slated to perform in North Vancouver's Cleveland Park (5077 Capilano Road) as part of a Labour Day celebration. There will also be art displays and children's activities from noon to 5 p.m.