Every year almost 1,000 Canadian workers are killed on the job. Recognizing their loss and paying tribute to them are just two of the goals of Canada’s National Day of Mourning, which is being marked at noon on April 28 at the Workers’ Memorial at Centennial Park.
Organizer Michelle Cole said all local workers are invited to gather by the river for a brief service of remembrance, to be opened by members of the Revelstoke Highland Pipe Band. Speakers include Mayor McKee and local union members, with time for members of the public to share their thoughts on this day.
The National Day of Mourning was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress. The Day of Mourning has since spread to about 80 countries around the world and has been adopted by the AFL-CIO and the International Confederation of Free Trade.
The numbers tell the story. In 2013, 902 workplace deaths were recorded in Canada. While it’s the lowest total since 2000 when 882 fatalities were recorded, this number still represents 2.47 deaths every single day.
In the 21-year period from 1993 to 2013, 18,941 people lost their lives due to work-related causes.
