National Day of Mourning 2021

Courtesy of BC Premier John Horgan:

“Today on the National Day of Mourning, we join with people and families throughout B.C. and across Canada to remember the lives lost or forever changed by workplace injury and illness.

“One hundred and fifty-one workers in B.C. lost their lives because of a work-related injury or illness in the past year. We stand together and offer our deepest condolences to the families, friends and coworkers who lost someone close to them.

“COVID-19 has pushed everyone in B.C. to improve occupational health and safety practices and reduce risks, but there are hazards in the workplace beyond the virus. This spring, we lost several workers in the span of a few short weeks because of traumatic injuries at their work. It was a sad reminder that we must always remain vigilant about health and safety in the workplace – every day, without exception.

“By law, every worker has the right to refuse unsafe work, and employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace for their workers and taking the necessary precautions to protect them from hazards. In addition, WorkSafeBC remains focused on making sure COVID-19 safety plans are in place for every workplace, keeping people safe and businesses open during the pandemic.

“We want all workers to return home healthy and safe at the end of the day. Anything less is unacceptable. It’s vital that we remember the important lessons we have learned over the past year. This will help strengthen the safety of B.C.’s workplaces today and for years to come.

“Thank you to everyone who has kept B.C.’s services and businesses open and safe, and our economy running. We pledge to continue to do our part to keep workers safe every day.”

Courtesy of Cdn Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:

“Today marks the 30th anniversary of the National Day of Mourning. On this day, we remember and honour every worker in Canada who has died, been injured, or suffered illness because of workplace hazards, accidents, or harassment. It is also a day to renew our commitment to preventing future workplace tragedies, which requires ongoing, shared effort from workers, employers, and the organizations that support them.

“More than a year into the pandemic, it is vital that we continue to acknowledge the great risks and challenges Canada’s front-line and essential workers are facing, and the sacrifices they have made, to keep us safe and healthy. Some have become ill, and some have died, making sure that others are cared for and protected.

“One of the best ways we can thank and honour these everyday heroes is by continuing to take public health guidelines seriously. That means continuing to wear a mask, keeping two metres apart, downloading and using the COVID Alert app, working from home if you can, and getting the vaccine when it’s your turn.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the toll this past year has taken on front-line and essential workers, and will continue to do everything we can to support them. That is why we have worked tirelessly to make sure they have access to the supplies they need to stay safe and healthy. That’s also why we created the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, to give income support to people who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19. We collaborated with provinces and territories to boost wages for low-income essential workers, so they can receive the compensation they deserve. We will continue to do whatever it takes to protect their health, help them do their job, and make sure they know Canada has their backs as much as they have ours. 

“Today, I encourage all Canadians to pause and remember workers who have lost their lives, been injured, or become sick while on the job. We all have a role to play, especially in this challenging time, to build safer, healthier, and more dignified workplaces for everyone.”