THUNDER BAY – Every year on April 28th, International Day of Mourning Services are held worldwide in remembrance of workers who were injured, made sick or killed while at work. It was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991, 8 years after the Canadian Labour Congress first launched it, and today more than 80 countries around the world pay tribute to these workers.
Bill C-45, passed on March 31, 2004, is federal legislation that amended the Canadian Criminal Code. The Bill established new legal duties for workplace health and safety, and imposed serious penalties for violations that result in injuries or death. The Bill provided new rules for attributing criminal liability to organizations, including corporations, their representatives and those who direct the work of others. We must send a message to our government that stronger enforcement of this bill is needed if we are ever to put an end to these tragedies. Many workplaces realize the value of safety; accountability is the only way that we can ensure that safety for all workers is the number one priority in all workplaces.
Everyone is encouraged to attend an event in their community. In Thunder Bay, we will gather at the Labour Council Day of Mourning Monument at the Lakehead Labour Centre, 929 Fort William Road, on Wednesday, April 28th at 5:30 pm. A light luncheon will follow the service. You are asked to bring a red rose to lay at the monument during the service.