Waterloo Region marks National Day of Mourning
Posted Apr 28, 2022 08:30:00 PM.
April 28th marks the National Day of Mourning.
A ceremony was held in Waterloo at the Worker's Monument near the City Centre building to honour and commemorate those who have been killed, injured, or suffered illness due to a workplace incident or hazards.
“April 28th is the labour movement's most solemn day, but also one to refocus our commitment to prevent future workplace injuries and death,” said Lorne Bruce, President of the Waterloo Regional Labour Council. “Somewhere in Canada today, a worker will die on the job; others will succumb to a work-related disease, and thousands more will suffer an injury that will be permanent and life-threatening.”
Every year, thousands of Canadians gather to recognize the National Day of Mourning.
“Today's ceremony reminds us, and as it says on our monument, that we must mourn the dead and fight for the living,” said Bruce in his opening remarks.
Thursday marked the first time in two years, due to the COVID19 pandemic, that the local event was held in-person. Several local officials, labourers, and residents were in attendance, including Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky and Regional Chair Karen Redman.
Flags at @RegionWaterloo buildings are lowered today to commemorate National #DayOfMourning as we honour & remember lives lost or injured due to workplace tragedy. As we pause today, we renew our commitment to safety, to training, and to a safe workplace.https://t.co/MMlDrJ9Bry https://t.co/79hdm7vlDW pic.twitter.com/MbfF9g2ldB
— Karen Redman (@Redman4Region) April 28, 2022
A moment of silence was observed, as well as a prayer, led by Reverend Jenn Hind-Urquhart of the Emmanuel United Church in Waterloo.
“It's so important for the people who have suffered injuries, illnesses, and loses, and their families, to gather and gather the strength from one another to continue to work toward better places and better spaces,” said Rev. Hind-Urquhart.
According to the Waterloo Regional Labour Council's website, over 1,000 workplace deaths are reported every year, nationally, and hundreds of thousands of workers are injured or suffer an illness while on the job.
Jaworsky said many incidents go unreported, and the health and safety of employees needs to continue to be an area of focus.
“We don't want to lose anymore,” added Jaworsky. “Everybody deserves to come work safely, and go home to their family in one piece and in good health. In particular, a personal one for us is City of Waterloo employee, Don Klassen, who was killed at work back in 1990. We remember Don each and every year, and we want to make sure something like that never happens again.”
The importance of workplace safety was echoed by Jeff Donkersgoed, second vice president of the local labour council. He said the annual Day of Mourning is not only to remember those we've lost, but also to advocate for safe workplaces.
“They shouldn't have to be risking their lives to come to work,” said Donkersgoed. “We're taking time today to acknowledge those who have lost their lives… but also to push governments to ensure safe environments and proper training for workers.”
Jaworsky spoke about a greater emphasis on mental health, work-related stress and a better work-life balance, as well as the importance of creating and maintaining work environments free of bias, hate, toxicity, harassment, and abuse. He also mentioned the significance of new legislation and the right to disconnect laws coming into effect in Ontario.
“The number of people who working 24 hours a day, seven days a week… we really can't have that anymore,” added Jaworsky. “We really have to give people their space, and it's so important for mental health.”
HAPPENING NOW: A gathering in Uptown Waterloo on the National #DayOfMourning to honour and remember workers who have been killed, injured, or suffered illness due to workplace incidents or hazards @CityNewsKIT pic.twitter.com/Bfofxvoq9j
— Brittany Ramsay (@BeeRams570) April 28, 2022
