Human Resources, Labour and Employment
April 28, 2008

The following statement was issued by the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

National Day of Mourning

I rise today in this Honourable house to recognize today April 28, National Day of Mourning. In 1984, the Canadian Labour Congress initiated this day, and in 1991, the Government of Canada declared it a National Day of Mourning.

It is now observed in over 70 countries around the world, and serves as a point of remembrance for workers who have been killed or injured on the job.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, we join together to remember colleagues, friends and relatives who have been killed or injured at work. In 2007, there were 23 fatalities reported in this province, with seven due to incidents in the workplace and 16 as a result of occupational disease. In Canada, deaths from workplace injuries average nearly one thousand each year.

Making our workplaces safer must be a daily effort. On this day, I commend the efforts of workers and employers, and call on them to renew their commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace.

And, on this day, I would also like to acknowledge the important role that the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission and the Occupational Health and Safety Branch of the Department of Government Services serve in ensuring that our workplaces are safe and healthy.

By educating and engaging both workers and employers in the area of occupational health and safety prevention, we can and will reduce the number of work-related injuries and illnesses.

Together we must strive to ensure that the workers of Newfoundland and Labrador are safe in the workplace.

I ask all Honourable members of this House to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of workers who have been killed or injured on the job.

2008 04 28                                           1:50 p.m.


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