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April 28, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
04-33
OTTAWA, ONTARIO- Today, the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour, is highlighting the National Day of Mourning and commemorating workplace accident victims and their family members who have suffered from these tragedies. On Parliament Hill, the Canadian flag is flying at half-mast to pay tribute to the men and women who have been killed or injured on the job.
Currently, over 900 Canadians die each year as a result of work-related accidents or illnesses. This year, one out of 15 workers in Canada will be injured on the job, and many of these accidents are preventable. The rate of accidents for workers of all age groups has dropped since 1998. For younger workers aged 15 to 29, the rate has dropped noticeably from 2.97 per 100 workers in 1998 to 2.47 in 2002.
"Education and preventive measures have begun to have a positive impact on our workers, particularly our younger workers," said Minister Bradshaw. "However, there are still too many victims who pay dearly for a mistake or an unfortunate accident. We must step up our efforts to make our workplaces healthier and safer," the Minister added.
On December 28, 1990, the Government of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act, which established an official day observed every year to commemorate workers injured on the job, killed, disabled or who suffer from occupational illnesses. This day is also intended to show Canadians' concern for occupational safety and health. The day chosen for this observance is April 28.
Since 1990, the National Day of Mourning has been marked by various events across the country to remember workers killed or injured on the job or who suffer from work-related illnesses.
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NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying the release will be available on the Canadian Press photo network today, Wednesday, April 28, 2004.
For more information:
Denis D'Amour
Office of the Minister of Labour
(819) 953-5646
Web site: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/home.shtml
