**** CNS Media Release
Nova Scotians Honour Workers and Families on Day of Mourning
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Nova Scotians come together annually on April 28 to remember those who have died or were injured because of a workplace accident or work-related illness, as part of the National Day of Mourning.
It is also an occasion to underline the importance of safety measures that can prevent tragedies in the workplace
“We take time to reflect and remember those we have lost and the families they have left behind,” said Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services. “We continue to honour their memory by renewing our commitment to workplace health and safety. We all have a responsibility to keep each other safe at work because when we work safe, we come home safe.”
This year, Day of Mourning reflects on the life of Ronald Beck, who lost his life at work on April 25, 2004. His loss continues to touch every generation of his family 19 years later.
The Beck family continues to advocate for workplace safety through their work with Threads of Life, a Canadian charity dedicated to supporting families affected by workplace fatalities, injuries or diseases. Their story is available here: http://dayofmourning.ns.ca/
Minister LeBlanc, on behalf of Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration, is attending a ceremony at Province House in Halifax later this morning. He will be joined by Shelley Rowan, interim CEO of the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) Nova Scotia; Siobhán Vipond, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress; Sandra Mullen, First Vice-President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL); and other federation representatives.
Quotes:
“Today, as we recognize the National Day of Mourning, we do so with heavy hearts. We join communities, workplaces and families across Nova Scotia in paying tribute to those who have died or been injured on the job. We ask all Nova Scotians to use this day as motivation to make workplaces safe today and always.”
– Shelley Rowan, Interim CEO, WCB Nova Scotia
“We’ve learned too many lessons and come too far in better understanding how to make workplaces safe. We owe it to the thousands of families who have already lost their loved ones to do better for today’s workers.”
– Danny Cavanagh, President, Nova Scotia Federation of Labour
Quick Facts:
— the annual Day of Mourning event in Nova Scotia is led by the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour and is supported by the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, WCB Nova Scotia and Threads of Life
— in 2022, 24 Nova Scotians died at work or because of their work, including nine acute traumatic injuries and 15 chronic injury fatalities
— chronic injuries include cardiac issues, stroke, occupational diseases and other exposures
Additional Resources:
Information about the investigation process for workplace accidents: https://novascotia.dev.gov.ns.
WCB Nova Scotia: https://www.wcb.ns.ca/
Nova Scotia Federation of Labour: http://nslabour.ca/
Threads of Life: https://threadsoflife.ca/
