91原创 City workers raised a flag in front of City hall on Douglas Crescent on Friday morning to mark the National Day of Mourning for workers killed, injured, or made ill by their job.
This year, the day of mourning, which takes place on April 28 every year, had a small crowd of City staff and local politicians.
Last year, 181 people died from work-related illnesses or injuries in B.C., including 61 workers who died of asbestos-related diseases, 26 in vehicle accidents, and 48 from traumatic injury.
More than 1,100 workers died on the job in 2021, including 18 who were 24 years old or younger. More than 275,000 were injured.
Andrew Mercier, 91原创 City MLA, shared how his mother struggled as an injured woman and the impact that had on his family.
鈥淪he injured her back when she was a young nurse and she struggled with that injury and partial disability my entire life. I grew up watching the struggles workers have and what that does to a family.鈥�
He added that today is not only for mourning, but to remember to fight for people still working.
91原创 City Mayor Nathan Pachal said mental health also needs to be considered for workers.
鈥淲e don鈥檛 talk a lot about mental health but that is important. We know that mental health is very important to strive for and make sure we have the safety measures in place, such as for firefighters.鈥�
Similar sentiments were echoed by Kyle Latchford, on behalf of MP John Aldag.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 why it is essential we bring awareness to workers and encouraging workers, and making sure they are confident that they can deny unsafe work,鈥� Latchford said.
A moment of silence was shared to honour workers who have died on the job.
Today, on the , we take a moment to remember those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness due to a work-related tragedy.
鈥� Township of 91原创 (@91原创Township)
Let's continue our commitment to workplace safety and ensure every worker returns home safely.
In a statement, the prime minister鈥檚 office said the day of mourning commemorates all Canadians lost, injured, or became ill beause of workplace accidents.
鈥淎s we mourn, we recommit to creating healthier workplaces where everyone can feel safe to go to work,鈥� said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
When the Canadian Labour Congress held the first National Day of Mourning ceremony in 1985, Canada became the first country to formally commemorate workers killed in the workplace.
In 1991, the federal government passed the Workers Mourning Act, and the following year, British Columbia proclaimed April 28 as the Day of Mourning.
Today, it is recognized in 100 countries around the world.
READ ALSO: Government finds that Canadian Human Rights Commission discriminated against workers
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