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Ahepans Visit Fire Victims, Meet with Government Officials Supreme President George E. Loucas led a delegation that arrived in Athens to visit with victims of July's wildfires and to meet with Greek government officials. According to Supreme President Loucas, one fire victim said she ran into the sea through the "fire above and fire below." Ahepans met with Greek Minister of Tourism Elena Kountoura and Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Terens Quick. The delegation also will head to Thessaloniki later in the week to participate at the Thessaloniki International Fair where the United States is the "Honored Country." AHEPA is a proud Silver Sponsor of the USA-Thessaloniki International Fair 2018 (USATIF).  read full news release   GTP coverage   Take Action! Donate Now! ICYMI | 2018 National Golf Invitational Tournament  The 2018 AHEPA National Invitational Tournament will be hosted at the fabulous Westin Stonebriar Hotel & Golf Club, Frisco, Texas -- just outside of Dallas!  This beautiful property has a signature 18-hole golf course designed by none other than Tom Fazio, who has be en recognized three times as the "Best Modern Day Golf Course Architect."  The deadline to secure the hotel room rate is October 8. Download: Informational flyer Sad News | PSG Chinonis Passes Away AHEPA mourns the passing of Past Supreme Governor John Chinonis, Flint. Mich., Aug. 31, 2018. He was 82.  In addition to serving as Supreme Governor, Brother Chinonis served as National Advisor to the Sons of Pericles and was a National Ahepan of the Year.  Brother Chinonis, an AHEPA Life Member, served Chapter 141, Flint, for 62 years. "Brother Chinonis was an extremely dedicated Ahepan, who gave unselfishly to the Order," Supreme President George Loucas said. "Brother Chinonis exemplified the essence of brotherhood and fraternity, and his contributions to the community of Flint were immense. He will be missed tremendously. Our prayers are with the Chinonis family. May his memory be eternal."  Brother Chinonis's Obituary  AHEPA on Twitter | Gen. Dunford's Visit to Greece Congressional Hellenic Caucus Membership is 126.   Help It Grow.    Although Congress is heading into the homestretch of the 115th Congress, there is still plenty of time to increase the membership of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues. AHEPA asks for your help, especially with U.S. representatives spending August in their congressional districts. The Hellenic Caucus has been an active, bipartisan group in Congress since its founding in 1995.  It is co-chaired by U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and its co-founder, Carolyn Maloney (D-NY).   Membership in the Hellenic Caucus stands at 126.   Is your U.S. representative a member?  Click here to find out. Download & Share: Action Alert to help you outreach to your U.S. representative  Don't forget to follow AHEPA on social media:

Upcoming Events & Deadlines September 3 - 10 | Supreme President visits Greece 21 - 23 | 2018 Governors Conference, Washington, D.C. October - November 26 | Deadline for The Ahepan winter issue 29 - 3 |  2018 AHEPA National Golf Invitational, Frisco, Texas Join AHEPA Today! In Our Own Words. What AHEPA means to us. Join AHEPA Now Greek American News Digest   Editor's Note: Editorials, Commentaries, and Opinion pieces are shared for information purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the Order of AHEPA, its affiliated organizations, and members.     US military chief visits Greece amid strain with Turkey Associated Press (Sept. 3) The chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff has begun a two-day visit to Greece, starting off a week of high-level contacts between the two countries amid increased strain between the United States and Turkey.  read more  Dunford Gets Greek View of Regional Challenges U.S. Department of Defense Report (Sept. 4) The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said he very much welcomed seeing the Eastern Mediterranean region "through a Greek lens" as he finished consultations with his counterpart, Greek navy Adm. Evangelos Apostolakis, the chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff. read more   Military Times coverage  Tweet from The Joint Staff      Greek economic growth slows in second quarter, investments a drag Nasdaq via Reuters (Sept. 3)    Greece's economy expanded for a sixth straight quarter in the April-to-June period but at a slower pace than the quarter before, mainly because of base effects and weak investment spending, statistics service (ELSTAT) data showed on Monday.  read more Inside Greece's first smart city: 'Now you don't need to know a politician to get something done'  The Guardian (Sept. 4)   Trikala, in Greece's agricultural heartland, is an unlikely candidate for a leading smart city - but innovations have improved lives despite the financial crisis.  read more   Feeding NYC's Homeless Has Become a Way of Life for this Upstate Community The Pappas Post (Sept. 3)   For a decade, hundreds of volunteers from a Greek Orthodox church have carpooled every month to New York City, where they set up an outdoor dining room to feed dozens of homeless.  read more US and Greece have common regional interests, Pyatt tells Kathimerini  Ekathimerini (Sept. 2) The United States and Greece have common strategic interests and ambitions regarding the Western Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean regions, the American ambassador to Athens, Geoffrey Pyatt, says in an interview published in Kathimerini's Sunday edition, a week before the September 8 opening of the annual Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), which this year hosts the US as the honored country.  read more    Greece Claims U19 European Men's Water Polo Crown  Swim Swam (Sept. 2) Greece achieved a rare double: in a span of two weeks their U18 team won the world title and now the U19 side clinched the European crown in Minsk after a brilliant victory over Montenegro in the final and an astonishing 8-0 white-wash of Croatia in the semis.  read more

INTERNATIONAL HELLENIC ASSOCIATION ( USA):ΑΙΤΗΜΑ ΓΙΑ ΔΗΜΟΨΗΦΙΣΜΑ

ΑΙΤΗΜΑ ΓΙΑ ΔΗΜΟΨΗΦΙΣΜΑ




INTERNATIONAL HELLENIC ASSOCIATION ( USA)
Claymont, Delaware 19703
U.S.A
www.professors-PhDs.com.
Mail: IHAHellas@gmail.com
Www.professors-phds.com
4 Σεπτεμβρίου, 2018


ΖΗΤΟΥΜΕ ΔΗΜΟΨΗΦΙΣΜΑ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΕΓΚΡΙΣΗ Ή ΜΗ ΤΗΣ ΣΥΜΦΩΝΙΑΣ ΤΩΝ ΠΡΕΣΠΩΝ



Προς:

κ. Προκόπη Παυλόπουλο, Πρόεδρο της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας

κ. Αλέξη Τσίπρα, Πρωθυπουργό της Ελλάδος

κ. Νίκο Κοτζιά, Υπουργό Εξωτερικών της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας

κ. Πάνο Καμμένο, Υπουργό Αμύνης



Κοινοποίηση:

Αρχηγούς όλων των Πολιτικών Kομμάτων

Όλα τα μέλη της Βουλής των Ελλήνων

Όλους τους Έλληνες Ευρωβουλευτές

​ ​ ​ ​

Οι κάτωθι υπογράφοντες, συντασσόμενοι με την συντριπτική πλειοψηφία του Ελληνικού λαού, διαφωνούμε με την Συμφωνία των Πρεσπών καθώς την θεωρούμε ανιστόρητη, επιζήμια για τα εθνικά συμφέροντα και επικίνδυνη για το μέλλον της χώρας και την σταθερότητα στην περιοχή.

Η εκχώρηση του ονόματος της Μακεδονίας μέσω του γεωγραφικού προσδιορισμού είναι ανιστόρητη, διότι η ιστορική Μακεδονία της αρχαιότητας αντιστοιχεί σχεδόν πλήρως στο σημερινό ελληνικό γεωγραφικό διαμέρισμα της Μακεδονίας, εκτός από μια στενή λωρίδα (Πελαγονία) στο νότιο τμήμα της σημερινής ΠΓΔΜ. Καμία διεθνής συνθήκη δεν όρισε τα όρια της Μακεδονίας ως γεωγραφική ενότητα. Η ελληνικότατη Πελαγονία (νοτιότερη περιοχή της ΠΓΔΜ) δεν ανήκε γεωγραφικά στη Μακεδονία αλλά ενσωματώθηκε όψιμα στο κράτος του Φιλίππου. Επί πλέον, ποτέ δεν υπήρξε Μακεδονική εθνότητα, και επομένως η αναγνώριση των κατοίκων της χώρας των Σκοπίων ως Μακεδόνων αποτελεί κατάφωρη παραχάραξη της ιστορίας.

Η συμφωνία είναι επιζήμια για τα εθνικά συμφέροντα, γιατί ο ανυπόστατος αλυτρωτισμός και οι επεκτατικές βλέψεις των γειτόνων μας που η εκχωρηθείσα από την συμφωνία των Πρεσπών ονομασία υποτίθεται ότι θα εξαλείψει, παραμένουν σε ισχύ στο ακέραιο και θαβρίσκουν στήριξη στο γεγονός ότι η ταυτότητα και η γλώσσα θα ονομάζονται «μακεδονικές». Ούτε και οι υποτιθέμενες αλλαγές του Συντάγματος των Σκοπίων είναι δυνατόν να πείσουν, όταν ο πρωθυπουργός της χώρας τους περιοδεύει πλέον καυχώμενος για την αναγνώριση του «Μακεδονισμού» που πέτυχε στις διαπραγματεύσεις. Μετά την συμφωνία των Πρεσπών και η κυβέρνηση των Σκοπίων και άλλοι διεθνείς οργανισμοί αποκαλούν πλέον την ΠΓΔΜ απλά Μακεδονία. Ο ισχυρισμός του κ. Κοτζιά ότι αυτό θα αλλάξει μόλις επικυρωθεί η συμφωνία, ακυρώνεται στην πράξη και δεν συνάδει με τον πολιτικό ρεαλισμό που θα πρέπει να διαπνέει όσους διαπραγματεύονται το επίμαχο ζήτημα του ονόματος.

Η συμφωνία είναι επιζήμια για το μέλλον της χώρας μας, όχι διότι κινδυνεύουμε από μία ενδεχόμενη επίθεση εκ μέρους του ίδιου του κράτους των Σκοπίων, το οποίο δεν έχει το εκτόπισμα να απειλήσει από μόνο του ουσιαστικά την χώρα μας. Οι επιδιώξεις όμως των Σκοπίων που στηριζόμενες σε ανυπόστατους «αλυτρωτισμούς» απειλούν την εδαφική ακεραιότητα της Ελλάδας, θα είναι εσαεί εργαλείο στα χέρια κάποιων δυνάμεων για να κρατούν υπό ομηρία την Ελλάδα και αντίπαλο δέος κατά την προσπάθεια άσκησης ανεξάρτητηςεξωτερικής πολιτικής της χώρας μας.

Τέλος, η συμφωνία είναι ετεροβαρής (δίνουμε το όνομα για να πάρουμε τι;ούτε μια στοιχειώδης πρόνοια δεν υπήρξε για τον χειμαζόμενο ελληνισμό της Πελαγονίας από την ελληνική διαπραγματευτική ομάδα),και με αυτήν διαιωνίζονται οι συνθήκες για τις γλωσσολογικά, γεωγραφικά, ιστορικά, λαογραφικά κι εθνολογικά αυθαίρετες και ατεκμηρίωτες διεκδικήσεις των Σκοπιανών. Η συμφωνία των Πρεσπών διατηρεί τις προϋποθέσεις για πιθανές παρεμβάσεις τρίτων, που σήμερα κιόλας εποφθαλμιούν την εδαφική ακεραιότητα της πατρίδας μας, δημιουργούν τις συνθήκες για μόνιμη αστάθεια στην περιοχή και θα δηλητηριάζουν στο διηνεκές τις σχέσεις καλής γειτονίας με το άμεσο περιβάλλον μας.

Ως εκ τούτου, εμείς οι υπογράφοντες την επιστολή αυτή Έλληνες πολίτες, μέλη της Ακαδημαϊκής κοινότητας στην Ελλάδα και την Διασπορά, Δημοτικές και Κοινοτικές αρχές ανά την Ελλάδα, Διπλωμάτες, Ιεράρχες, Επιστήμονες (Δικηγόροι, Γιατροί, Μηχανικοί και πολλοί άλλοι) καθώς και άλλες προσωπικότητες, συναισθανόμενοι την κρισιμότητα των στιγμών, δηλώνουμε ότι διαφωνούμε με την εκχώρηση του ονόματος της Μακεδονίας στα Σκόπια και καλούμε την κυβέρνηση να διενεργήσει δημοψήφισμα, προκειμένου να απορριφθεί ή να εγκριθεί η συμφωνία των Πρεσπών. Το δημοψήφισμα είναι μια απόλυτα δημοκρατική διαδικασία. Αντίθετα, δεν είναι δημοκρατικό να αποφασίζει η Βουλή των Ελλήνων, με μια κυβέρνηση που είναι ουσιαστικά μειοψηφική στον ελληνικό λαό, δεδομένου ότι το ένα κόμμα που μετέχει στην κυβέρνηση δηλώνει την αντίθεσή του στη συμφωνία των Πρεσπών. Το δημοψήφισμα αυτό οφείλει να έχει δεσμευτικό χαρακτήρα, ανεξαρτήτως του αποτελέσματος.

*Το International Hellenic Association–IHA www.professors–PhDs.com είναι ένας μη κερδοσκοπικός, μη κομματικός φορέας με έδρα το Delaware των ΗΠΑ. Τα μέλη του ΙΗΑ προέρχονται κυρίως από την πανεπιστημιακή κοινότητα, και είναι διάσπαρτα ανά την Ελλάδα και τον κόσμο. Εκτός των πανεπιστημιακών, μέλη του ΙΗΑ είναι πρώην πρέσβεις, στρατηγοί, καθώς και εξέχουσες προσωπικότητες της ελληνικής κοινωνίας. Ο σκοπός του ΙΗΑ είναι να ενώσει ηλεκτρονικά τον Ελληνισμό και να βοηθήσει την Ελλάδα μέσω επιτροπών για εθνικά και πολιτιστικά θέματα.

Οι υπογράφοντες

THE WHITE HOUSE's latest

Democrats' Kavanaugh Tantrums Are An Embarrassment “Any doubt that Democrats are desperate to stall Judge Brett Kavanaugh's appointment to the Supreme Court ended Tuesday, when they made a mockery of the confirmation hearings,” writes the Investor’s Business Daily editorial board. “This was nothing more than — bad — political theater.” The editors note that “while Democrats want to pretend that there is a shortage of documents available to determine how Kavanaugh will perform on the Court, he's served with distinction for 12 years on the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. The Supreme Court adopted 13 of his positions and overturned only one.” Click here to read more. “In the history of Supreme Court nominations, there is no precedent for demanding all documents from a nominee’s career,” the Washington Examiner editorial board writes. “Democrats’ real intention, although they lack the means to carry it out, is to delay confirmation until after the coming midterm elections, in hope that they can win the Senate and kill the nomination. It isn't going to happen.” “President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday to defend his record and explain his view of the law and the Constitution,” Paul Crookston writes in The Washington Free Beacon. “Kavanaugh said his judicial philosophy comes down to following the law without exception, contradicting his critics' claim that he favors corporations and conservative political interests.” In an exclusive interview with The Daily Caller, President Trump points out that he alone is fighting to reform defense pact spending that costs American taxpayers. “We’re protecting immensely wealthy countries and they’re not paying us for the protections,” President Trump says. “Why aren’t we being reimbursed for this massive cost?” “American manufacturers are on a roll: Business conditions surged in August to a 14-year high, according to a survey of industry executives,” Jeffry Bartash writes in MarketWatch. “The Institute for Supply Management said its manufacturing index jumped to a 14-year high of 61.3% last month from 58.1% in July.”  The White House • September 4, 2018 In photos: Judge Kavanaugh’s remarkable career Today, Judge Brett Kavanaugh appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for the beginning of his confirmation hearing for the U.S. Supreme Court. Predictably, Democrats attempted to thwart even holding a hearing on the Judge’s nomination, rather than focusing on his record. It’s easy to see why: Judge Kavanaugh has a long, clear history as an independent and impartial arbiter of the law. He ruled against the Republican National Committee in one campaign-finance case and in favor of a liberal pro-choice group, Emily’s List, in another. He has ruled in favor of environmentalist plaintiffs in some cases and in favor of Western landowners and coal miners in others.  He bases his rulings on the law—not politics, policy, or identity. Despite being appointed by a Republican President, Judge Kavanaugh ruled at least 23 times against Bush Administration agencies from 2006 to 2008. As a professional, he has been a leader in promoting racial equality and advancing minorities in the workplace, writing an important law review article about ending racial discrimination in jury selection. The Judge’s critics know all of this, which is why they’re talking about politics instead of Judge Kavanaugh’s credentials. But by the end of this week’s testimony, Americans will know the real story of his exceptional career in public service. A remarkable career in photos: Judge Kavanaugh testifies before the Senate. Get the facts: Judge Kavanaugh is among the most qualified nominees in history.   In their words: ‘A faithful servant’ Senators from both parties told the White House they wanted to see a real judge nominated with outstanding credentials—one who will respect precedent. Judge Kavanaugh is all of that and more. That much is evident from the broad support he has received from every corner of American life he has touched. Letters of support have poured into the Senate from Judge Kavanaugh’s former law clerks, parents from his daughter’s youth basketball team, legal scholars, and many more groups and individuals. “Judge Kavanaugh is an outstanding jurist with a proven commitment to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law,” a majority of America’s state Attorneys General write. “We have no doubt that he possesses the qualifications, temperament, and judicial philosophy to be an excellent Associate Justice.” Learn more about Judge Kavanaugh from the people who know him best.   Photo of the Day Brett M. Kavanaugh is sworn in to the D.C. Circuit Court by Justice Anthony Kennedy The Case for Confirming Kavanaugh “President Trump believes, as I do, that judges must ensure our government does not take actions that violate individual constitutional rights,” Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge writes in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. “I have no doubt that if confirmed to serve on the Supreme Court, Judge Kavanaugh will continue to use his extensive legal education and experience to protect the Constitution.”  Click here to read more. The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board writes that “blue-collar workers may be the most optimistic folks in America. Eighty-five percent say they see their lives heading in the right direction,” according to a new Harris Poll. “Seventy percent agree ‘the American Dream is alive for people like me,’ and among those who are parents 88% agree with the statement that ‘my children will have a better future than I will.’” In the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Special Representative for International Negotiations Jason Greenblatt writes that peace for the Middle East is within grasp thanks to President Trump. But Greenblatt adds that Palestinian leadership has refused to engage in peace talks since “President Trump made his bold, courageous and historic decision to recognize the reality that Jerusalem has been and will remain the capital of Israel. The leadership’s unwillingness to engage is disappointing and only hurts the Palestinian people that they claim to serve.” “More prominent figures in the DC area have thrown their weight behind President Trump’s Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh,” Brittany Shepherd reports in the Washingtonian. “Senior representatives from Washington Jesuit Academy and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which is based in Alexandria, wrote to the Senate Judiciary Committee voicing their support of the judge before his highly anticipated confirmation hearings," scheduled to begin today.  In The Hill, Armstrong Williams writes that this Labor Day, the American worker had something to celebrate. “The U.S. unemployment rate as of July was 4.7 percent, the lowest it has been in over thirty years. There are more Americans working today than at any other time in the history of our country, with over 130 million employed.” “President Trump has issued an executive order to strengthen retirement security in America. The order benefits small-business employees seeking easier ways to achieve greater retirement savings,” Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta writes in The News & Observer. “At a time when President Trump’s tax cuts are returning more money to paychecks, small-business employees need simple and convenient access to workplace plans to save for retirement and to protect their financial health.”

CANADA latest news

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom

September 5, 2018
Vancouver, British Columbia

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today spoke with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom.

The leaders discussed developments related to the attack in the United Kingdom in March 2018 by agents of the Russian government using a military-grade nerve agent, which were the subject of a statement by Prime Minister May in the House of Commons in London today.

The Prime Minister expressed Canada’s full solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom in light of these developments, and recommitted Canada’s cooperation and full support to the British government.

The Prime Ministers stressed the importance of ongoing cooperation between Canada and the United Kingdom in response to challenges, by Russia and other countries, to the rules-based international system.

Prime Minster Trudeau and Prime Minister May also discussed the rise of authoritarianism, and the need for Canada and the United Kingdom to continue to play a leading role in promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Major rapid transit projects to ease congestion in Metro Vancouver

September 4, 2018
Vancouver, British Columbia

Metro Vancouver is home to some of the fastest growing cities in Canada. Modern, efficient transit systems are needed more than ever to reduce traffic congestion, connect businesses and communities, and meet the needs of a rapidly growing population.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Premier of British Columbia, John Horgan, today announced more than $3 billion in federal and provincial funding for two major rapid transit projects in Metro Vancouver: the Broadway Subway project and the Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit project.

The Broadway Subway project will add 5.7 kilometres and six stations to the line, bringing frequent and reliable SkyTrain access to one of the most congested transit corridors in Metro Vancouver.

The Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit project (LRT) will create the first light-rail transit system in British Columbia. With 11 new stations along 10.5 kilometres of street‑level track, the LRT will provide much needed transit services in underserved areas, connect and revitalize communities, and make it easier to travel across the Lower Mainland.

These projects will create thousands of good, middle class jobs during construction. Once completed, they will meet current and future transportation needs, reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, and create more livable, connected communities.

Quotes

“Bringing light rail to Surrey will transform the city, connect communities, and make getting around the Lower Mainland faster and easier. The Broadway Subway will also go a long way in reducing commute times and transit overcrowding, and making Vancouver’s Skytrain even more convenient and accessible. Our government will continue to listen to communities, and make historic investments in the infrastructure they need, today and tomorrow.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

"Rapid transit is key to helping people get where they need to go quickly so we can meet the needs of a growing region. Cutting traffic and getting people and goods moving faster will unlock economic growth while making our communities more affordable, accessible and clean.”
—The Honourable John Horgan, Premier of British Columbia

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada will contribute $1.37 billion to the two projects, the Government of British Columbia will contribute $1.82 billion, and Translink, the City of Vancouver, and the City of Surrey will contribute $1.23 billion.
• The Broadway Subway will be able to move 5,100 more passengers per hour, per direction than the existing B-Line bus service it will replace, increasing capacity by 250 per cent. It will also be built to accommodate additional future capacity increases.
• In Surrey, the Light Rail Transit project will take people from one end of the line to the other in approximately 27 minutes. The line will operate within dedicated train-only lanes on the road, allowing the trains to bypass traffic queues, making it an attractive public transit choice.
• Federal and provincial funding for these projects is the result of a new funding agreement signed by the governments of Canada and British Columbia in the spring of 2018, under the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan that will see $3.917 billion in federal dollars invested in British Columbian infrastructure over 10 years.
• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• Of this funding, $28.7 billion will support public transit projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Associated Links

• Investing in Canada Plan
• Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia
• Broadway Subway project
• Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit project

Statement by the Prime Minister on Labour Day

September 3, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Labour Day:

“On Labour Day, we celebrate Canada’s workers and the major achievements of our country’s labour movement. Today, thanks to generations of labour activists, Canada’s workplaces are safer, more equitable, and more just. We honour the dedication and determination of the labour movement, and continue to stand with workers from coast to coast to coast.

“Canada’s workers have been the backbone of our country for generations. From building crucial infrastructure, to providing the services we rely on, our workers make Canada strong. Year after year and across every sector and industry, they grow our economy and strengthen the middle class at the heart of our country’s success.

“That is why the Government of Canada works every day to support Canada’s workers and make sure people across our country have a real and fair chance at success. Today, Canada’s economy is the fastest-growing in the G7 – and the unemployment rate is at its lowest level since the 1970s. This year, we created a stronger Canada Workers Benefit to help low-income workers keep more of their hard-earned money, succeed in the workforce, and build a better future.

“Canada’s workforce is more diverse than ever before – and all of us benefit when everyone has a chance to participate in the workforce and contribute to our economy. With Budget 2018, we introduced measures to address the gender wage gap and increase job opportunities for women, especially those in underrepresented groups. We are also taking action to reduce work-related dangers and harassment, and we are proposing changes to the Canada Labour Code to provide five days of paid leave to workers in federally regulated workplaces who are survivors of family violence.

“From protecting the right to organize to improving workplace safety and job training, the Government of Canada is proud to be a partner to the labour movement. Together with provinces and territories, we are making major investments to create employment and skills training programs that meet the diverse needs of Canadian workers – and thanks to our historic agreement to strengthen the Canada Pension Plan, we are making sure more Canadians have a secure and dignified retirement. The Government of Canada will continue to take action to support workers, grow our economy, and make a real difference in the lives of Canadians.

“On Labour Day, I encourage all Canadians to celebrate the workers who make our country a better place to live. On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I wish all Canadians a safe and happy Labour Day.”