Thousands take part in Toronto’s 140th annual Labour Day Parade

TORONTO, Ont. – Thousands of people joined together Monday morning to take part in Toronto’s 140th annual Labour Day Parade.

Toronto City Councillor Mike Layton lead the parade, along with several other members of the NDP including Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and federal interim NDP leader Nycole Turmel. The group carried a large banner of late NDP Leader Jack Layton.

The parade officially began at 9:30 a.m., from the corner of Queen Street and University Avenue and made its way through the city to the CNE grounds.

Several officials and pro-labour advocates spoke at a pre-march rally at the parade staging grounds.

The parade, which is meant to celebrate workers’ achievements, wrapped up around 2:30 p.m.

Defending public services was a main theme of this year’s parade, which was organized by the Toronto & York Region Labour Council. Quotes from Jack Layton’s letter to Canadians also appeared on several banners and flags throughout the parade.

Many unions and workers opposed to proposed cuts and privatization of city services attended this year’s parade.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford was not in attendance.

The mayor’s office said Ford did not receive an invitation to the parade, a claim which was confirmed by the president of the Toronto & York Region Labour Council.

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