About HRSDC | Our Offices | Programs & Services | A-Z Index April 28, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 05-28 OTTAWA, ONTARIO - David McGuinty, Member of Parliament for Ottawa South, attended the National Day of Mourning ceremony commemorating workplace accident victims and their families, on behalf of the Government of Canada today. 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. During a speech in Montreal, the Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing, paid tribute to fallen workers. "I believe all workplace deaths can be prevented. Please take a few minutes today to think about those Canadians who have been injured or have lost their lives on the job." said Minister Fontana. The latest statistics (2003) show that over 960 Canadians died as a result of work-related accidents or illness. The rate of accidents has been dropping since 1998, however, there are still close to 350,000 injuries reported every year, with many accidents being preventable. "Education and preventative measures have a positive impact on the well-being of Canadian workers, particularly our younger workers," said MP McGuinty, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing. "But there are still too many victims who pay dearly for a mistake or an unfortunate accident. It is incumbent on employers, workers, and governments to step up efforts to make workplaces healthier and safer." 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 or killed on the job, or who suffer from occupational illnesses. The day chosen to show Canadians' concern for workers and occupational safety and health 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. - 30 - For more information: Peter Graham Office of the Minister of Labour and Housing (819) 953-5646
