Paying tribute on National Day of Mourning
April 25, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada
As the National Day of Mourning approaches, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Status of Women, reminds Canadians that working in a fair, safe and healthy workplace is everyone’s right and responsibility.
Monday, April 28, 2014 marks the National Day of Mourning, which honours workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness as a result of work-related incidents. This commemorative day, first observed in Canada, is now recognized in 80 countries and communities across Canada.
Despite the steady decrease in the incidence of workplace disabling injuries and deaths, about 1,000 workers lose their lives on the job every year in Canada. In addition, young workers are more likely than adults to be injured on the job.
The Labour Program develops, administers and enforces workplace legislation and regulations which cover industrial relations, health, safety and employment standards for federally regulated workers and employers. In addition, the Labour Program’s health and safety officers spend up to 80 percent of their time working with employers and employees to identify danger and eliminate risk.
Following the National Day of Mourning, the upcoming North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week, from May 4 to 10, 2014, is another opportunity to focus, reinforce and strengthen everyone’s attention on the importance of work-related health and safety and of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community. NAOSH Week events are planned across the country, encouraging everyone to create a positive change by making safety a habit.
By working together, employees, employers, unions, governments, regulators and other stakeholders can ensure workplaces are safe and healthy.
Andrew McGrath
Press Secretary
Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
819-953-5646
andrew.mcgrath@labour-travail.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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