The following statement was issued today by Kevin Aylward, Minister of Environment and Labour. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Day of mourning for workers killed or injured in the workplace

I rise today to remind Honourable Members present that today, April 28, is being observed nationally as a Day of Mourning to remember workers killed or injured in the workplace or afflicted with industrial disease.

To commemorate the day, government, the Federation of Labour and the Employers' Council participated in a wreath laying ceremony at noon today in the main lobby of the Confederation Building, East Block. In addition, government is flying the Day of Mourning Flag.

Mr. Speaker, government, through the Occupational Health and Safety Branch of the Department of Environment and Labour, encourages safe and healthy workplace practices in this province. In acknowledging the Day of Mourning, I ask that everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador commit themselves to the goal of working safely.

Mr. Speaker, the number of lost-time accidents and workplace fatalities is steadily declining in this province. In 1994, Mr. Speaker, there were 6,547 lost-time accidents in this province and 27 fatalities. In 1995, that number dropped to 6,046 lost-time accidents and 21 fatalities. Last year, there were 5,028 lost-time accidents and 15 fatalities. Mr. Speaker, this represents a reduction in lost-time accidents of 23 per cent over three years and a reduction of 44 per cent in fatalities in the workplace. While certainly this is a very positive and encouraging trend, we remain committed to seeing this number decrease even further.

Mr. Speaker, government, employers and employees will continue to work together to improve the health and safety of workers and encourage accident and illness prevention in the province's workplaces.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I ask that we remember as well, the families of victims of workplace accidents or diseases and those who have paid the supreme price while doing their job.