NOTE: A list of ceremonies follows the release.
Nova Scotians will remember those who died or were injured on the job during National Day of Mourning ceremonies today, April 28, across the province.
Representatives from government, industry and labour will join family members to honour workers at the ceremonies.
Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan will attend a ceremony at Province House organized by the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour.
“My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those who didn’t make it home from work last year,” said Ms. Regan. “Every Nova Scotian has the right to return home safe and healthy every day. Death, injury and work-related illness should not be part of the job.”
The National Day of Mourning pays tribute to workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness due to workplace-related hazards and incidents. Ceremonies to mark the day will also be held in Bridgewater, Kentville, Port Hawkesbury and Whitney Pier.
Labour and Advanced Education and the Workers’ Compensation Board are implementing a workplace safety strategy with a long-term vision of making Nova Scotia the safest place to work in Canada.
“As we pause to remember the workplace tragedies of the past, we need to commit to making changes that will impact our future,” said Stuart MacLean, CEO of the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. “One fatality is too many, and we all need to do more — workers and employers — to ensure every Nova Scotian comes home from work safely.”
Arlene Volgler lost her son Jonathan in a workplace accident nine years ago.
“Today, we not only honour the victims, but we recognize that workplace tragedies are more than just tragic, they’re preventable,” said Ms. Volgler.
In 2013, 34 Nova Scotian workers lost their lives at work or because of work-related injuries. In 2014, there have been two workplace fatalities. Both were from sudden injury or illness in the workplace.
“Sadly over 1,000 Canadians were killed at or because of work last year,” said Nova Scotia Federation of Labour president Rick Clarke. “A person’s life should not be at risk when they are at work, nor should a worker’s loved ones wonder if they will be returning home safely. Every workplace death or injury is preventable and we rededicate ourselves to ensuring that we see more education and enforcement.”
For more information on the Day of Mourning, visit http://dayofmourning.ns.ca .
Source: Release
