Labour Day weekend is here, and it seems that summer is wrapping up as quickly as it finally arrived.
In Greater Sudbury, our labour movement has a long and proud history that has helped shape and inspire safer workplaces, better working conditions and environments for all employees, higher wages, work-life balance and more fair, equitable and diverse society.
Labour leaders, like our own Leo Gerard, have played a very important role in affecting positive change for workers and their families around the globe and across multiple continents.
Let us take time to reflect on these efforts this weekend and acknowledge that the very time off and long weekends we all enjoy come in no small part by the efforts of those who fought, sacrificed and persevered in the very movement we name this weekend after.
As well, Tuesday will be a day that is as equally exciting and it will be anxious. Our kids are heading back to school in an environment and under circumstances that none of us would have imagined this time last year. Our four local school boards have been planning and working hard to develop systems that make the safety of the students and our children the top priority.
I ask that we be patient, understanding and be cautiously optimistic that our return to school will be successful and safe. As well, I'd like to personally thank every teacher that is going back to the classroom or engaging the many students who will be learning online.
The role you are fulfilling as educators, mentors and leaders to our children is of vital importance and I applaud your efforts and bravery during these very uncertain times.
Lastly, like every long weekend, let's make it a safe one.
If you're on the water, please be safe. If you are seeing friends or family, please keep the group small and interaction to a minimum.
We have come a long way, and we have so much at stake as school returns. let's think of others and make smart and safe choices this weekend.
Happy Labour Day weekend - let's be safe, smart and enjoy it the best we can.
Brian Bigger is the mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury.
