The Yorkton & Area District Labour Council Office / CUPE Local 5430 (Region 5) Office held the ceremonies for the Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured in the workplace. Taking place on the 28th of April, in remembering and honouring those, the hope is for a safer work environment for anyone.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offered his support on the Day of Mourning.
“Every Canadian deserves to be able to provide for their family, knowing they will return home safely at the end of a hard day’s work,” said Trudeau in a statement.
“On the National Day of Mourning, we remember and honour Canadian workers who have died or suffered physical or mental injury or illness as a result of workplace accidents, hazards, or harassment.
“Work-related tragedies are not limited to one type of work or one type of worker. Employees in all fields, from all backgrounds, and of all ages, can fall victim to an incident that prevents them from working and living to their fullest. These incidents can also take a toll on their families, friends, colleagues, and communities.
“The health and safety of all workers is a priority for the Government of Canada. Today, I encourage all Canadians to pause and remember workers who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness in the workplace. Together, let us honour them by doing our part to build safer and healthier work environments for everyone.”
In 1984, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) began to celebrate Workers’ Memorial Day. On April 28, 1985, the Canadian Labour Congress officially declared it an annual day of national remembrance. In December 1990, The Workers Mourning Day Act passed in the Parliament of Canada, which established April 28 as the annual National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace.
