Every year on April 28, Canada marks the National Day of Mourning to honour workers killed or injured on the job.
Across the country, groups hold vigils, light candles, wear ribbons and armbands and participate in other activities as an act of remembrance and support. In Saskatchewan flags, will fly at half-mast at the Legislature.
“Our thoughts are with the friends and families who have lost a loved one,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. “No one should ever suffer because of their job. Safety must continue to be a priority in everything we do.”
“There is no greater reminder for us than today of the importance of creating safe workplaces to protect workers, employers and families from the tragedy of a workplace injury or death,” Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board Chairperson Gord Dobrowolsky said. “This is not the responsibility of one, but all of us. We must continue to strive to make every workplace in Saskatchewan safe, and work together to prevent and eliminate workplace injuries and fatalities.”
On April 18, the names of the 48 Saskatchewan workers who lost their lives were read in the Legislature by Minister Morgan and Saskatoon Centre MLA David Forbes, followed by a moment of silence.
Day of Mourning vigils will be held in communities throughout the province. A list of events open to the public can be found at http://www.sfl.sk.ca/public/images/documents/DAY_OF_MOURNING__Events_2019.pdf.
