The annual Day of Mourning on April 28 commemorates workers who have been killed or seriously injured as a result of their job. In B.C., family survivors will be joined by workers, unions, employers and local labour councils to mark the day with more than 35 ceremonies throughout the province.
In 2018, there were 131* work-related deaths in B.C., 66 resulting from occupational disease (primarily related to historical asbestos exposure), and 65 resulting from traumatic injuries. In the Fraser-Fort George region in 2018, four work-related death claims were accepted.
A public memorial ceremony is being held in Prince George with presentations from:
- A representative from the North Central Labour Council
- Barry Nakahara, senior manager, Prevention Field Services, WorkSafeBC
- Michael Lovett, injured as a young worker
Date: Sunday, April 28, 2019
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Worker’s Memorial Statue, Patricia Blvd. and Queensway St.
On Friday, April 26, more than 180 schools across the province will take part in the BC Labour Heritage Centre’s Day of Mourning Schools Project. In 2019, schools observing the Day of Mourning in Prince George include College Heights, Mackenzie, Prince George, Duchess Park, and Charles Hays.
The Canadian Labour Congress held the first National Day of Mourning ceremony in 1985, making Canada 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 the Day of Mourning. Today, it is recognized in 100 countries around the world.
More information may be found at www.dayofmourning.bc.ca.