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Courtenay Day of Mourning ceremony April 28 at Simms Park

In 2018, 131 B.C. workers died from a workplace injury or disease. Now, families and communities are left to mourn.
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Courtenay recognizes the National Day of Mourning at Simms Park every year on April 28. City of Courtenay photo)

In 2018, 131 B.C. workers died from a workplace injury or disease. Now, families and communities are left to mourn.

To help raise awareness of the importance of workplace safety, local organizations are coming together for an annual event honoring workers who have been killed, injured, or suffered from work-related illness.

On Sunday, April 28 at 11 a.m., everyone is welcome to a Day of Mourning ceremony and moment of silence at the Simms Park Pavilion, hosted by the City of Courtenay, WorkSafeBC, District Labour Council and CUPE 556.

“The Day of Mourning is a time for us to remember fallen workers, and also to reinforce the importance of safety on the job,” said Paige Knapman, occupational health and safety advisor for the City of Courtenay. “It’s a reminder to all of us that we need to stay vigilant, minimize risks, and speak up if we think something isn’t safe.

“We encourage individuals and organizations to join us at the Day of Mourning ceremony in honour of all workers and families who have been affected by workplace accidents or illnesses.”

The Day of Mourning has been a national event since 1991.

The Canadian Labour Congress first recognized the Day of Mourning in 1984. In 1990, this day became a national observance with the passing of the Workers Mourning Day Act, and on April 28, 1991, the federal government officially proclaimed the National Day of Mourning.

Everyone is welcome to attend the ceremony.

For more information, contact Knapman at pknapman@courtenay.ca

For more details on the Day of Mourning, including a list of other ceremonies around B.C., visit dayofmourning.bc.ca