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The first weekend of September is a long one in Canada, as the first Monday of the month is a federal statutory holiday known as Labour Day. In modern times this special day is celebrated over the course of three to four days (Friday to Monday) and is treated as the last hurrah of the summer. As such, individuals, friend groups and families commonly travel out of town to the lake, often situated in or near a forest, to stay at a cabin, camp in a trailer or tent, and spend some time outdoors together while the weather is still warm (during this time, temperatures across Canada, which vary greatly from region to region, average out to a high of +10 C to +30 C). Typical activities done this weekend include watching or playing football, having a barbecue, hiking, suntanning and swimming at a beach, and so on. The purpose of this holiday has come to focus on maintaining a work/life balance, allowing people an additional day off from one’s job to spend recharging with or without loved ones.

Historically, however, Labour Day activities in Canada were a little bit different, including parades, speeches, picnics, and competitions like races and lacrosse games. These came as celebratory events following a successful social movement seeking better work conditions. The holiday, which became official in 1894, was the Canadian government’s response to a series of protests by labour organizations, including a printers’ strike that took place in Toronto, Ontario more than 20 years prior which demanded shorter work hours. Since a similar movement was taking place to the south, in the United States, and such was being met with societal success, the Canadian government eventually yielded to the cries of its working residents, thus beginning Labour Day.

Do you have a holiday similar to Labour Day where you live? What do you typically do on this holiday? Practice your English by letting me know in the comments below.

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ATTRIBUTION

• Camping Trailer photo courtesy of Blake Wisz on Unsplash

• Jumping Into Garibaldi Lake, Canada photo courtesy of Eleanor Carter on Unsplash

• Hiking East End of Rundle Trail, Canada photo courtesy of Kalen Emsley on Unsplash

• Barbecuing Food photo courtesy of Markus Spiske on Unsplash

• Football Game photo courtesy of Martin Podsiad on Unsplash

• Lacrosse Game photo courtesy of Gene Gallin on Unsplash