Welcome everyone.
Thank you all for joining me to mark this National Day of Mourning and to pay tribute to our colleagues who’ve lost their lives in the line of duty.
Today, flags across Canada are flying at half-mast to honour and remember the many Canadians who were victims of work place accidents or illnesses.
As Minister of this portfolio, I value and appreciate everyone’s efforts to manage Canada's fisheries and safeguard our waters.
However, given the inherent dangers associated with some aspects of this work – namely rescuing mariners, enforcing fishing regulations and advancing science – I have a special appreciation for those of you working on the front lines.
Coast Guard employees, in particular, are required to be in a perpetual state of readiness. Day-in and day-out our men and women in uniform respond to any number and variety of incidents in some of the harshest conditions on the planet. They do so with professionalism, dedication and in the name of public service to their fellow Canadians.
DFO’s Conservation and Protection officers also work diligently on behalf of Canadians, often performing duties that put their lives at risk for the greater good.
No job, of course, should result in the loss of life.
Unfortunately, over the years, too many members of our Coast Guard and DFO family have died while performing duties in line with their occupation. It’s a sacrifice so profound that it’s difficult for most of us to process, much less understand. Yet, there are families across this country – including DFO and Coast Guard families – who have come face to face with this reality.
Like each of you, I am saddened and humbled by their losses. Collectively, our hearts go out to the family members and friends confronted with such tragedy.
On this National Day of Mourning let us honour those who lost their lives and pay tribute to those who bear the agony of this burden.
Long ago it was written that, “…there is a time to die, a time to weep and a time to mourn. There is also a time to mend, a time to love and a time for peace.”
Today, I would add that there is also a time to learn.
On this day and, indeed, each and every day throughout the year we must promote a culture of health and safety in the workplace.
It goes without saying that losing one life in the line of duty is one too many. But the loved ones of those who have lost their lives do not walk alone.
I know this because Coast Guard and DFO employees are a family unto themselves and, in the same way that you put your lives on the line to help others, you’re also there to help shoulder the grief.
Today, on this National Day of Mourning, I ask that your thoughts not linger on how your colleagues died but, rather, on how they lived – with pride, dignity, humour, generosity and kindness.
On behalf of all Canadians, I thank those of you gathered here today – and your colleagues across the country – for your ongoing dedication, commitment and public service.
Thank you.
