The Provincial Government will observe National Day of Mourning on Saturday, April 28, with a wreath-laying ceremony at Confederation Building, East Block, beginning at 12:00 noon.

National Day of Mourning recognizes those who have lost their life as a result of a work-related injury, illness or disease. In 1984, the Canadian Labour Congress initiated Day of Mourning. In 1992 the Province officially recognized April 28 as National Day of Mourning. It is now observed in about 100 countries around the world.

"In our province in 2006, eight workers died on the job while 10 others succumbed to industrial disease. Eighteen is simply too many," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission. "While that number is less than in 2005, it is in everyone�s interest to ensure that we have safe and healthy workplaces. I ask the people of the province to remember these workers and mark National Day of Mourning by observing a moment of silence, attending a remembrance ceremony or by lowering flags to half-mast."

"National Day of Mourning is an opportunity for us to take pause and remember workers who have died because of work-related causes," said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Government Services. "We each have a responsibility to ensure our workplaces are safe however it is only through a collaborative effort that we can achieve safer workplaces. That is why my Occupational Health and Safety Branch has an ongoing commitment to work with businesses, labour associations and communities so that we can reduce the number of work-related fatalities."

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