International Day of Mourning

[Claude Lawrenson]

April 28th has been designated as the International Day of Mourning for workers who have suffered workplace injury, illness and death. You may see flags have been lowered to half-mast today to honour those who have lost their lives or paid with their health.

In Canada, more than 900 workers die from occupational illnesses and workplace accidents each year. This year marks the 24th anniversary of the Day of Mourning. It was in 1984 that the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) first declared April 28th Canada's Day of Mourning. Every year since, unions, labour councils, families and community partners gather by the thousands vowing to "mourn for the dead, fight for the living".

What began in Canada is now observed in more than one hundred countries.

[Michael W. Gault]

Thanks..