Submitted. The annual Day of Mourning on April 28th commemorates workers who have been killed as a result of their jobs. Abbotsford is joining more than 30 communities across the province at the Civic Plaza at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday April 28th to mark the day.
Cover: Thirteen years ago Michael Lovett (pictured) lost his lower leg to a workplace injury. This year, he will be among the many taking part in the Day of Mourning to honour the 173 B.C. workers who died on the job in 2014.
In 2014, 173 B.C. workers died, 98 were the result of occupational disease primarily resulting from exposure to asbestos decades ago.
The Canadian Labour Congress initiated a national Day of Mourning ceremony April 28, 1984. Canada was the first country to formally commemorate workers who’d been killed at work. Today, the Day of Mourning is observed throughout the world.
A public memorial ceremony is being held in Abbotsford with presentations from:
- Henry Braun, Mayor, City of Abbotsford Representative
- Mel Camilli, Injured as a young worker
- Doug MacDonald, Senior Regional Safety Officer, WorkSafeBC
- Mark Benjamin, Health and Safety Representative, CUPE Local 774
- Brian Harder, President, Fraser Valley Labour Council
- Marie Clarke Walker, Executive VP, Canadian Labour Congress
- Shirley Wilson, Vice Chair, Abbotsford School Board
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Location: Civic Plaza, 32315 South Fraser Way (North Side), Abbotsford, B.C.
Time: 10:30 a.m.
There will be a moment of silence, followed by a piper leading an honour guard procession
A list of ceremonies throughout B.C. may be found at www.dayofmourning.bc.ca
Mike Lovett
From WorkSafeBC. Thirteen years ago Michael Lovett (pictured) lost his lower leg to a workplace injury. This year, he will be among the many taking part in the Day of Mourning to honour the 173 B.C. workers who died on the job in 2014.
On April 28, join workers, families, and employers at ceremonies across the province, as we remember the workers who lost their lives as a result of workplace injury or illness, and renew our commitment to creating safer workplaces.
You can also plan your own Day of Mourning ceremony using resources in the event toolkit available online.
For a list of province-wide events and speakers, more information and resources, or to order complimentary decals and posters, please visit dayofmourning.bc.ca.