Educational Resources

Commemorative Dates

Take advantage of commemorative dates to organize education and action on key issues and campaigns.  Information and materials are available from a variety of sources.  Follow the links below for annual event statements, information on specific themes or campaigns, suggested activities, posters and other resources.

Print this entire calendar as a PDF.

FEBRUARY

Black History Month/African Heritage Month

Since 1926, February has been commemorated as a month to celebrate the struggles, achievements and contributions of people of African heritage who are largely absent from our recorded history.  African Heritage Month seeks to reclaim and honour the history of Black people and people of African descent who have contributed much to the development of our communities and our country.  The second week of February is the anniversary of the birth of Frederick Douglass, the great anti-slavery agitator, whose campaigns included mass rallies in Canada.  In 1995, the Parliament of Canada officially designated February as Black History Month.  For more information, visit PSAC (Human Rights - Equity Days), Canadian Labour Congress (Rights), Canadian Heritage and the Black History Month Association in Halifax.

FEBRUARY 29

RSI Awareness Day

Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are a serious occupational health concern, a silent scourge that afflicts hundreds of thousands of workers around the globe.  In some provinces in Canada, RSIs account for 50 per cent of occupational injuries.  Since 2000, RSI Awareness Day has been officially observed on February 29, the only “non-repetitive” day on the calendar.  However, it is recognized annually on the last day of February.  “RSI Awareness Day” is dedicated to the promotion of prevention of repetitive strain injuries.  The best way to deal with RSIs is to eliminate the hazards that cause them - e.g., layoffs and privatization, excessive overtime, improper or standardized equipment and tools, substandard workstation design, increased pace of work, poorly maintained equipment, insufficient recovery times and rest periods or inadequate training.  Taking action on eliminating the hazards means exercising control at work.  One way to do so is to use ergonomic principles that take into account the physical and mental strains on workers.  Ergonomics is all about adapting workplaces, workstations, tools and other working conditions to fit the worker.  For more information, visit PSAC (Health, Safety and the Environment) , Canadian Labour Congress (Health and Safety) and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety .

MARCH 8

International Women’s Day
and International Women’s Week

Since 1911, March 8 has been celebrated as International Women’s Day.  It is recognized worldwide as a day to commemorate and celebrate the struggles and accomplishments of women.  It is also a day to demand action and progress on an agenda for true equality, for justice and for peace through campaigns for better child care, for public health care, for pay and employment equity, against racism and discrimination, against violence and poverty... and against war.  For information and resources, visit PSAC (Human Rights - Equity Days), Canadian Labour Congress , Status of Women and United Nations Association in Canada.

MARCH 21

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

In 1966, the United Nations designated March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  It commemorates the date in 1960 when peaceful demonstrators were killed or wounded in Sharpeville, South Africa during a demonstration against apartheid.  Since 1989, the Government of Canada has supported the UN declaration with its annual March 21 campaigns.  These represent opportunities to renew our commitment to ending racism and discrimination - in our workplaces and communities, in Canada and around the globe.  For resources and information on events and activities, visit PSAC (Human Rights - Equity Days), Canadian Labour Congress , Canadian Labour Congress (rights) and Canadian Heritage - March 21 Stop Racism Campaign.

APRIL 17

Equality Day

April 17 marks the date when Section 15, the Equality Rights section of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms came into force in 1985.  The equality section of the Charter states that “every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability”.

APRIL 22

International Earth Day

Earth Day Canada estimates that over 500 million people in more than 180 countries celebrate International Earth Day.  Canadians participate in Earth Day events which can include the planting of trees and native gardens, neighbourhood cleanups, workshops and seminars, concerts, eco-fairs, parades, cultural events, waste reduction projects, the implementation/expansion of environmental programs, wildlife conservation projects, and much more.  Earth Day is celebrated in schools, community and youth groups, unions, and environmental organizations.  Virtually all school children take part in an Earth Day event making them the most active Earth Day participants.  According to Earth Day Canada, it is the third most important date on the school activities calendar (after Halloween and Christmas).  For workers, the Canadian Labour Congress (Environment) has produced a useful Action Checklist for Local Unions and Labour Councils (pdf).  For additional information, visit PSAC (Health, Safety and the Environment).

APRIL 28

National Day of Mourning

The Day of Mourning was first established in 1984 by the Canadian Labour Congress.  In 1991, after a long and hard struggle, the labour movement was successful in having the Day of Mourning recognized by the Parliament of Canada.  Today, under the slogan “fight for the living, mourn for the dead”, working people around the world take time on April 28 to remember lost co-workers and renew their commitment to safer workplaces so workers can end their working lives in dignity and health – not premature death, disease and disfigurement.  In addition to education and action on health and safety issues, PSAC members are encouraged to ensure employers have lowered the Canadian flag at the worksite to half mast and to observe a minute of silence in our workplaces at 11:00 a.m.  It is also an opportunity to participate in local ‘Day of Mourning’ observances organized in our communities by the local Labour Councils, Federations of Labour and/or Locals.  For more information, visit PSAC (Health, Safety and the Environment), Canadian Labour Congress (Rights), Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

MAY

Asian Heritage Month

In December, 2001, the Senate of Canada passed a motion officially designating May as Asian Heritage Month.  This acknowledges the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada and the world.  Since its inaugural celebration in Toronto in 1993, cities across Canada, including Halifax, Montréal, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, have been holding annual festivities during the month of May to recognize Asian Heritage Month.  For information on events, visit Canadian Heritage and Halifax Asian Heritage Month.

MAY 1

International Workers’ Day (May Day)

The first day of May is a day of celebration and solidarity for workers around the world.  International Workers’ Day celebrates the unity of workers and our unions in the cause of equality, justice and the daily struggle to improve the quality of life of our families and communities.  The struggles of workers and our unions are connected - what we desire for ourselves, we wish for all.  An injury to one is an injury to all.  On International Workers’ Day, whether at home or abroad, workers celebrate our achievements and determination to affirm our rights and improve the quality of life everywhere.  For more information, visit Canadian Labour Congress (Rights)

JUNE

Pride Week

“Pride Week” marks the anniversary of the “Stonewall Riots” in New York City in June of 1969.  The riots were the turning point in the increased resistance to systemic oppression and harassment.  A strong, diverse community of “Pride” has evolved since the riots and the PSAC is proud to be part of the continuing struggle for the important challenges that remain - same-sex marriage, survivor pension benefits, hate crimes legislation and challenging homophobia and discrimination.  The community needs to know that our support is constant and Pride events allow us to demonstrate our ongoing commitment.  Visit the PSAC (Human Rights - Equity Days), Canadian Labour Congress , and for information about Pride Week activities across the country, check the web site www.gayscape.com/prideeventscan.html.

LATE MAY, EARLY JUNE

National Access Awareness Week

After Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour, he requested an awareness week to promote access for persons with disabilities.  As a result, National Access Awareness Week (NAAW) was established in 1988.  The focus has shifted since 1988 from awareness-raising to action designed to create access through concrete change.  There are six key areas of focus: transportation, housing, employment, recreation, education and communications.  It is a time for individuals, businesses, organizations and government to take action to remove the barriers faced by persons with disabilities. 

MID-JUNE

National Public Service Week

Governments - federal, provincial, territorial and municipal - formally recognize the contributions of public sector workers during Public Service Week.  National Public Service Week (NPSW) was created in 1992 to celebrate and recognize the professionalism, resourcefulness and hard work of federal Public Service employees.  NPSW is an opportunity to highlight issues that are important to public sector workers, and call for recognition of our work in ways that count.  It is a time to profile the people behind the service, and the valuable role that public services play in the daily lives of Canadians - to our health and well being, as well as the health of the economy and the environment.  NPSW is a time to positively advocate for improved services in the public interest.  Visit the PSAC for information on current campaigns and activities and the Government of Canada (National Public Service Week) for information on national and regional events.

JUNE 21

National Aboriginal Day/Aboriginal Solidarity Day

The summer solstice holds special significance for many Aboriginal groups that celebrate their heritage on June 21, the first day of summer.  In 1996, Canada declared June 21 National Aboriginal Day so all Canadians can share and celebrate the cultures and contributions of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.  It is a day to recognize and support the struggle of Aboriginal Peoples for equality and social justice.  Visit PSAC (Human Rights - Equity Days), Canadian Labour Congress , Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Canadian Heritage for information on events, activities and resources.

SEPTEMBER

Take Back the Night March

Women across Canada, the United States and Europe march for streets free of violence, sexual assault and harassment.  Since the first march in Germany in 1978, women have been joining together to reaffirm their commitment to making our streets and homes safe for women.  The march takes place annually on the third Friday in September, though this may differ in some communities.

SEPTEMBER (first Monday)

Labour Day

As working people, our labour is a means to a better future for ourselves and our families.  Labour Day is a time to celebrate work and everything it makes possible.  As a reminder of the quest of workers to sustain and improve their quality of life, the Canadian Labour Congress releases a set of indicators each Labour Day with one simple question in mind: “Is your work working for you?”  Visit www.working4you.ca for the annual report card.

Labour Day is also a time to acknowledge the pioneers of the labour movement - the folks who gave us the weekend.  Indeed, Labour Day began in Canada on April 14, 1872 at a time when working people had to fight to work fewer than 12 hours a day, unions were illegal and union activity was considered a criminal offense.  The legacy of Labour Day originates with the “Nine Hour Movement,” and the solidarity and persistence of people who worked in the Toronto printing presses.  The Printers’ Union in Toronto was one of the first in the industrialized world to demand a reduction in work to 58 hours per week.  This was deemed irrational and ridiculous by the owners of the printing shops, most notably George Brown of The Globe.  As a result, the union went on strike on March 25, 1872.  Mr. Brown and others brought in scab workers and Brown sued the Printers’ Union.  Under archaic Canadian law, the picketers were arrested and jailed.  Many workers lost their jobs and were forced to leave the city because of financial problems.  However, the long-term consequences for the labour movement were positive.  Sir John A. Macdonald was a rival of the Liberal George Brown and he quickly took the side of the labour unions during the crisis.  On June 14, 1872, the Macdonald government passed the Trade Union Act, legalizing unions.  After 1872, nearly all unions demanded a 54-hour workweek.  The determination and courage of the Toronto printers was celebrated yearly thereafter with parades.  Throughout the 1880s, there was constant pressure to make the event official and finally on July 23, 1894 the Tory Government of Sir John Thompson passed a law making Labour Day a national holiday.  The first official Labour Day was celebrated in Winnipeg with a five-kilometre-long parade.  Today, thousands of workers march in annual Labour Day Parades throughout Canada.

SEPTEMBER 8

International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day was established in 1965 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).  Literacy is a broad-based issue that touches almost every aspect of people’s lives.  It is a key to personal development and economic opportunity, and a major factor in Canadians’ ability to participate as full and active citizens in all areas of society.  For these reasons, literacy is everyone’s business.

On International Literacy Day, governments, business and labour groups, non-governmental organizations, communities and individuals recognize the importance of literacy and play an active role in improving the literacy skills of Canadians.  For the labour movement, literacy is about power and empowerment, beginning with the language we use.  Unions sometimes fall into the trap of communicating in a way that misses the target, generating print and electronic material without always thinking about whether it will be understood by our members.  Our system of industrial relations means that while our collective agreements bear testimony to the rights workers have won in the workplace, they are plagued by legalese. Our by-laws are written in language that is not accessible to many.  Therefore, the union movement is committed to clear language, to communicating in ways that share power, knowledge and expertise.  The Canadian Labour Congress (Literacy) has developed clear language resources and several unions offer training to their leaders and staff in clear language.  For facts about literacy, and information on activities and events, visit Social Development Canada.

 OCTOBER

Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month was created in 1992 to encourage greater awareness among Canadians of the historical contributions of women to our society, and to recognize the achievements of women as a vital part of our Canadian heritage.  The goal of Women’s History Month is to write women back into Canadian history and to develop a better understanding of the diverse roles women play in contemporary society.  October was chosen because of the historical significance of the Persons Case.

Visit Status of Women for information and resources.

OCTOBER 18

Persons Day

On October 18, 1929, the British Privy Council decided that women were “persons” under Canadian law, and therefore eligible for appointment to the Senate.  This decision was rendered after a lengthy legal and political struggle, known as the “Persons Case”.  Each year, the Governor General’s awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case are presented on or around this date.  Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) organizes Persons Day breakfasts in various locations.

NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 10

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

First organized in 1991, and part of the Global Campaign for Women’s Human Rights, the 16-day period includes November 25 (International Day To End Violence Against Women), December 1 (World Aids Day), December 6 and December 10.  Women’s groups around the world organize public activities and events.

DECEMBER 3

International Day for Persons with Disabilities

The International Day for Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the United Nations in 1982, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.  This day recognizes that persons with disabilities continue to face tremendous barriers in accessing health services, employment, housing, political and social rights.  Visit the PSAC (Human Rights - Equity Days), Canadian Labour Congress , United Nations Association in Canada and Social Development Canada - Office for Disability Issues for additional information.

DECEMBER 6

National Day of Remembrance and Action
on Violence Against Women

On December 6 every year, Canadians remember the fourteen young women who were violently murdered at the École Polytechnique in Montréal in 1989 - because they were women.  It represents a time to pause and reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society.  It is a time to consider the impact of bullying, harassment and other forms of violence in our workplaces.  It is also a time to contemplate the heavy price of terrorism and war, where women are the direct and innocent victims of violence, dislocation, rape and brutality.  Just as importantly, it is a time to pledge to work to eliminate violence against women wherever it occurs.  It is a time to demand action to stop the violence.  Visit PSAC (Human Rights - Equity Days), Canadian Labour Congress , Status of Women and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety .

DECEMBER 10

International Human Rights Day

December 10, 1948, was the day on which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed by member nations of the United Nations in New York.  The Declaration states that human rights are universal and that all persons possess fundamental economic, cultural, social, political, and civil rights.  A Canadian, John Humphrey, was the prime author of the Declaration.  The members of the UN hoped that the horrors of the recently ended war could be avoided if a universal code of human rights governed the behaviour of individuals and countries.  Visit PSAC (Human Rights - Equity Days), Canadian Labour Congress and Canadian Heritage. The Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission has a Human Rights Day Kit (pdf) full of useful ideas on ways to commemorate this important day.