OTTAWA, ONTARIO, April 28, 2008 - The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today attended the commemorative ceremony to mark the National Day of Mourning.
"Today, it is my solemn duty to pay tribute to Canadian workers who have been killed and injured on the job," said Minister Blackburn. "We must never forget them and we must strive to learn from these sad incidents and make work places safer for all employees. Today is as much a time to remember those who have died as it is a call to protect the living."
In 2005, nearly 1,100 Canadians died as a result of work-related incidents. This means that on average, three workers died every day. In the same year, approximately 338,000 work-related illnesses and injuries were reported-many of which were preventable.
In December 1990, the Government of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act, which established April 28 as the official day to be observed every year to commemorate workers who were injured or died on the job and those who suffer from occupational illnesses.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Michael Winterburn
Office of Minister Blackburn
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
