Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Murray Scott and CUPE Local 919 President Mike Gerrior gathered early Friday, April 28, 2023, to sign a proclamation marking the National Day of Mourning.
This day is a solemn reminder that workplace safety must remain a top priority for all employers and workers.
It’s a day when we collectively call for action and continue advocating for safer working conditions, improved safety standards and enhanced protection for workers across the province.
Along with the proclamation signing, flags at all municipal-owned facilities were flown at half-mast throughout the day as a sign of remembrance and respect to every person killed or injured on the job.
April 28 was proclaimed a National Day of Mourning by an Act of Parliament on Feb. 1, 1991, as a day to remember, reflect and re-commit to the goal of making Canada’s workplaces safer.
Since the Westray Bill was enacted in 1982, almost 700 workers have died at or because of work in Nova Scotia and it’s estimated that 1,000 workers are killed on the job across Canada annually.
Last year, 24 workers in this province lost their life at or because of work. The day serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the daily risks and hazards many workers face, particularly those in high-risk occupations.
By signing the proclamation on April 28, Mayor Scott and Mr. Gerrior aim to promote a workplace safety culture and encourage employers to prioritize the health and well-being of their employees. This day is a powerful reminder that every worker has the right to a safe and healthy work environment and must work together to prevent future tragedies.