The Edmonton District Labour Council (EDLC) invited those experiencing food insecurity for a Labour Day celebration full of free barbecue at Giovanni Caboto Park. Volunteers from more than 24 affiliated unions participated in the event, serving up hot dogs, hamburgers, beverages and fresh fruit to hundreds. Organizers noted the need for the event growing each year since its beginning in 1991. The EDLC says the event is in the “true spirit” of Labour Day. “Workers fought for this day for so long, but … As a community, we don’t really get together as much as we should,” EDLC president Greg Mady said. “One of the great things about our Labour Day is that we’ve always said everybody’s welcome. Come out, catch live music, talk, make connections … That’s really, to me, what the labour movement is all about.” Alberta NDP MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood Janis Irwin says she shows up at the park, which falls in her constituency to help support workers, the homeless or precariously housed. “It really is a good visual of just how many folks are struggling right now,” she said, pointing to the crowds of what she estimates to be more than 100 at the event. “Food insecurity is very high. I’ve been here since the beginning of this morning, and it’s been lined up the entire time.” With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Curtis Goodrum
