Labour Day - A time to honour all who had the privilege to work for a living. This is a tribute to all Canadians, but especially Newfoundlanders, who left their part of this island to find work. Those who felt the need to leave for another province and kudos to all those who were fortunate to stay and work here with family and friends nearby, and never felt the calling to roam. Newfoundlanders are like the air – look hard enough and you’ll see us everywhere.  Happy Labour Day!

Some of us they say, didn’t come from much
But we still became dentists, teachers, lawyers, artists and such.
Some Newfoundlanders travelled further along
To Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan.
Some found work in the production of hydro, gas and oil
While others were lucky to live off the soil.
Others were in construction building new homes as they went
Or in forestry, logging and manufacturers of cement.
Many Newfoundlanders found work on the sea
And became captains and deckhands like our fathers used to be.
Some chose to be plumbers, roofers and electricians
While many others became writers, worked in candy factories or became dieticians.
Labour Day is special for all those who found their way
For the most important thing was to make money every day.
To buy homes, boats, trailers and a new car
To make the fruits of their labour continue to go far.
Some Newfoundlanders became nurses, mechanics and others worked in retail
While others found their passion in the airlines, paper mills, mines or car sales.
Many of us helped to make gloves, boots, toilet paper or chips
And thousands of others found work, sailing and the building of new ships.
Some became  business owners, taxi drivers or millwright
Working with our hands to provide a service, every day and night.
Many found their fortunes in insurance, medical, comedy or movie making each day
And other Newfoundlanders toiled in tourism, trucking, fashion or with the railway.
Many years ago, working on the lake boats was a proud and noble profession
While a select group of our islanders became radio /TV reporters and musicians.
Some favoured working with RCMP, Customs, Fisheries or Immigration
All great jobs well done by Newfoundlanders all across this nation.
Thousands of us joined the Army, Navy and Canada’s Air Force
While a special group loved the water and worked on submarines of course.
Some became corrections officers and took care of our jail
While others chose to work in real estate, service stations, or delivery of mail.
For those from Newfoundland who worked hard but felt the need to go away
They helped build business from the ground up as “we like to say.”
Whether you designed clothing, computer games or software
Newfoundlanders quietly and quickly built a reputation of always being there.
Our hats are off to all who still proudly love, serve and protect this great country of ours.

Submitted by: Lloyd J.Price