Nova Scotians paid tribute to miners who have been injured or lost their lives on the job at the annual Davis Day ceremony, today, June 11.

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Geoff MacLellan, on behalf of Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan, attended the event at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Glace Bay.

“Davis Day serves as a reminder of the work our miners and many others have done to improve safety conditions in the workplace,” said Mr. MacLellan. “William Davis sacrificed his life standing up for the rights of his fellow miners. His sacrifice is a lasting symbol of workers’ rights.”

On June 11, 1925, striking coal miners in Cape Breton marched 16 kilometres from Glace Bay to their coal company’s facilities after the company cut off their access to water and electricity, including at local hospitals. After reaching their destination, company police began firing at the unarmed miners, killing 37-year-old William Davis and wounding others.

His death has become a symbol of the determination and resolve of the miners and their struggles. June 11 was declared Davis Day at a later union convention and pays tribute to the miners who have been injured or lost their lives while working.

For more information about the traditions of Davis Day, go to https://novascotia.ca/archives/meninmines/davis.asp
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Source: Release