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abour Day is observed on the first Monday in September throughout Canada. It is a day to honour labour. This year (2003), Labour Day falls on the 1st of September.
According to "Holidays, Festivals & Celebrations of the World Dictionary", Labour Day has been observed since the days of the medieval trade guild. But I don't know when the Canadian government decided to make this day as a public holiday.
On Labour Day, parades used to be the most popular activity. Nowadays, with less trade unions in Canada, people usually get together for picnics and sporting events. This day becomes a special day for families to enjoy the end of the summer season before school children go back to school. Some French schools in Ontario usually start their school year before Labour Day though.
If Labour Day associates with labour, unions, parades, picnics and sporting events, why do people stop wearing white?
Since Labour Day marks the end of summer, some Canadians (especially senior citizens) will put away their light coloured clothing. So, they will not wear white after Labour Day. This is kind of a tradition for some seniors.
Do I wear white after Labour Day? No, I don't. I don't wear white at all. I hate white clothes!
Reference book: Holidays, Festivals & Celebrations of the World Dictionary, 2nd edition. Edited by Helene Henderson & Sue Ellen Thompson (Omnigraphics, Inc.; 1997). p.231 #1025.