Home »
National Day of Mourning observed in Elk Valley
By Mary Giuliano
Each year we gather to commemorate April 28 as an annual day of remembrance for workers who have been killed and injured on the job.
This was started by CUPE in 1984; the date chosen because it was the day in 1914 that the third reading of the Workmen’s Compensation Act took place.
On December 28, 1990 the Government of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act, establishing April 28 as the official National Day of Mourning.
The purpose of this day is to remember and honour those lives lost or injured and to renew the commitment to improving health and safety in the workplace to prevent further deaths, injuries and diseases from work.
Pictured: Workers gathered in Fernie April 28 to commemorate National Day of Mourning. An even larger ceremony was held in Sparwood. Mary Giuliano photo
