Service NL
May 1, 2017

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Service NL:

Minister Recognizes National Day of Mourning

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to reflect on the National Day of Mourning, which was recently recognized on April 28, 2017.

The National Day of Mourning is a time to remember those who have been injured or who have died in a workplace. As we do that, it is important to also reflect on how we can further improve occupational health and safety. Our government, in conjunction with all partners in the province’s workplace health, safety and compensation system, must continue our efforts towards preventing workplace incidents.

Mr. Speaker, I was honoured to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony last Friday at Confederation Building with the Honourable Minister Responsible for the Human Resource Secretariat, Members of the House of Assembly, and others who laid a wreath in memory of a loved one or coworker. I want to thank the St. John's and District Labour Council for organizing this important event.

WorkplaceNL recently announced new data that shows the incidence of workplace injury and illness in Newfoundland and Labrador continues to decline and was at an all-time low in 2016.

However, there were still 13 work-related fatalities in 2016, eight of which were the result of occupational disease. Mr. Speaker, one workplace fatality is too many. The National Day of Mourning serves as a reminder that we still need to be vigilant and ensure that safety is the priority for our workforce.

Promoting safe workplaces and communities is a priority for our government, and we will continue to collaborate with our partners to help ensure workers return home safe and sound at the end of each and every shift.

Thank you.

2017 05 01                              2:00 p.m.