By Jane Grant

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley celebrated Labour Day at the annual Calgary and District Labour Council barbeque as Leader of the Opposition Brian Jean shunned workers.

“Labour Day recognizes and honours everyone who works to develop our resources, manufacture our goods, provide our services and keep Alberta’s economy moving and growing,” Notley said. “Each and every one of these workers deserves a fair wage, freedom from harassment and the right to a safe workplace so they can go home to their family and friends at the end of the day.”

Brian Jean, who attended the Labour Day Classic football game at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, failed take part in events with workers or send workers a Labour Day message – an omission that earned the UCP leadership contender instant criticism.

“There were also Labour Day events celebrating the role of labour in this province,” Garnett Robinson of Edmonton responded to Jean on Facebook. “Football games are nice, but they really aren’t doing anything to recognize the work normal Albertans do – which is kind of the point of the day.”

“Enjoying labour day Brian?” Ron Grant from Edmonton asked. “Thank a union.”

The other leading UCP leadership hopeful Jason Kenney, who also attended the Labour Day Classic, did tweet a Labour Day message.

“Happy Labour Day,” Kenney’s tweet read. “Thinking especially of the 200,000 unemployed Albertans, and hoping they will soon enjoy the dignity of work.”