Mr. Speaker, today, May 1, is International Workers' Day, known as Labour Day in many countries around the world, a day celebrated to recognize the achievements and struggles of working people and their families.
We are committed to a more productive, safer and healthy workplace. Together we must work toward more responsive workplaces for the evolving needs of workers and employees in the 21st century.
As this day follows closely after the National Day of Mourning, I encourage employees and employers to be careful and attentive in the workplace.
Recently in my hometown of St. Catharines, an accident at the Port Weller dry docks took the life of crane operator Mike Damiano, a good man who is now mourned by his family and his friends.
It is our personal and collective responsibility to take the time to stop and solve dangerous situations in the workplace.
International Workers' Day acknowledges the contribution that workers make to improving not only Canada's economy but our society.
Together we are building a workforce for the future that embraces all citizens and maintains Canada's high standards of living in today's global economy.