Pharmacare and Decent Work the focus of annual Labour Day picnic

The North Bay and District Labour Council is focusing on a couple of issues for their 13th annual Labour Day picnic.

The waterfront event starts with the Flag March at 11:30 this morning (Sunday).

Communications Officer Jared Hunt says they’re calling for a national pharmacare plan.

He says Canadians would benefit tremendously from a nationalized plan.

“I think it would be very affordable and it’s the kind of big vision stuff we need now more than ever,” he says.

Decent work is the other issue.

Hunt says a low wage economy is causing poverty and they’re concerned about potential plans to undo work done to improve the Labour Relations Act and Employment Standards Act.

He says a decent wage is not just about economics, like having to choose between paying for rent or groceries, it’s about social issues too, especially with ‘back to school’.

“Folks are feeling the pressure about helping their children having the right fitting clothing and just being able to afford some of the great things that happen in the local education system like sports events, getting on teams, being in clubs,” he says.

Today’s picnic barbecue also includes inflatables, a climbing wall, live music and more.

(File photo)