Giving back on Labour Day

As the Danny Boy Band played in the background at Kinsmen Park, Prince Albert and District Labour Council president Faye Hill said she hoped the band and the barbecue would help inform the community about how much they appreciate their support.

"The community rents the centre," she said of their community centre.

"It's a chance to celebrate labour achievements and have a chance to celebrate that together."

The Prince Albert and District Labour Council held its third annual free community barbecue at Kinsmen Park on Monday. Mayor Jim Scarrow, along with firefighters and police officers, were on hand to give out hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and pop to those who wandered through the park during their supper. The Danny Boy Band was on hand to provide entertainment between speeches about issues currently facing the labour movement in Prince Albert and across Canada.

Hill said she was concerned with the way things were going for unions and labour groups of Canada and especially in Prince Albert. She said she worried about those trying to collect Employment Insurance and pensions.

"More than 1.5 million people lost their job this year in Canada. I feel sorry for the young people who can't collect EI," she said. "I'm lucky, I'll be able to collect a pension in a couple of years. But what will be left for those who come next?"

For Barry Nixon, a lifelong union member and resident of Prince Albert, the barbecue was a great way to end the last weekend of the summer.

Although he does appreciate the efforts that have gone into securing better working conditions over the decades, he said he notices there are still challenges to deal with today.

"You work hard for the money and the benefits and it seems like the benefits are dropping."

Although the barbecue was the Labour Council's chance to give back to the community, Hill said she hoped visitors would take to heart the message of working together as a team to secure things like benefits and EI for the next generation.