Monte McNaughton commended the province's workforce for rising to the challenges of the pandemic in his 2020 Labour Day message.
The Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP and minister of labour, training and skills development, said this year is like no other as workers face the many challenges created by COVID-19.
"From the doctors, nurses, paramedics, personal support workers and pharmacists who are caring and providing for our sick; to the police and firefighters who are keeping us safe; to the farmers, food processors, truck drivers and grocery store staff who are keeping food on our tables — thank you!," McNaughton said in a statement. "To those who are keeping our lights on, keeping our water safe, keeping our hospitals, stores and facilities clean and to those keeping our buses and trains operating — thank you, you make us proud."
McNaughton said as labour minister, he joins a grateful province in thanking workers for their dedication, commitment and courage during this global crisis.
"When Ontario needed you most, you were there for us and continue to be there for us - protecting lives, getting goods to market and keeping our economy moving," he said.
McNaughton said he has met with almost 150 labour leaders and thousands of workers over the past year and heard all about the important work under way to promote healthy and safe workplace practices, pursue training and skills development and create good, well-paying jobs.
"This Labour Day, more than ever, the people of Ontario are celebrating your extraordinary efforts. You make Ontario strong and proud. We couldn't do it without you."
The statement did not contain any specific reference to education workers who are at odds with the Doug Ford government over the adequacy of its back-to-school plan. With classes resuming this week, four teachers’ unions have filed appeals with the Ontario Labour Relations Board over health and safety concerns.
-With files from Dave Dentinger