Hughes recognizes National Day of Mourning
HUGHES ATTENDS MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR WORKERS DAY OF MOURNING
Ottawa – Carol Hughes attended a ceremony today to honour the men and women who have been injured or killed on the job as part of the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job.
“Moments like this are important for all Canadians,” said Hughes. “Setting aside a day like this sends a message of compassion to people who have lost a loved one in a workplace accident as well as a message of encouragement for those who are fighting, or have fought, to make their workplaces safer.”
The Day of Mourning was created in 1984 by the Canadian Labour Congress and was proclaimed the National Day of Mourning in 1991, when the Commons adopted a Private Member’s Bill by New Democrat MP, Rod Murphy.
In the 19 years since the Day of Mourning was proclaimed, the number of workplace fatalities has only been increasing. In the last decade, that increase was a staggering 35 per cent.
“As parliamentarians, we have an obligation to act,” said Hughes as she echoed the comments of New Democrat Leader, Jack Layton. “We have an obligation to ensure that every workplace is safe. No one should have to worry that they might die or get terribly sick while they are at work.”
