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National Day of Mourning ceremony to be held in Vanderhoof, Fort Saint James

Today (Monday) is the National Day of Mourning.

Every year on April 28th, workers,  families, employers, and others come together at events held around the country and province to remember those who have lost their lives on the job.

According to Day of Mourning BC, last year (in 2024) 146 workers in B.C. lost their lives to workplace injury or disease.

Of these workers, 78 died from occupational diseases, nearly half due to asbestos exposure, often decades ago. Thirty-eight workers lost their lives due to traumatic workplace injuries, which included falls from heights, being struck by objects, and being caught in equipment or machinery. Additionally, 30 workers died as a result of motor vehicle incidents

Six were young workers, highlighting the importance of protecting some of the most vulnerable members of the workforce.

Ceremonies is being held from the Vanderhoof Fire Hall at 2300 Nechako Avenue starting at 10am as well as the Workers Memorial on Stuart Drive in Fort Saint James.

Premier David Eby issued the following statement:

“Going to work should be a safe, routine activity. Yet every year, hundreds of British Columbians are hurt or killed on the job.

“On National Day of Mourning, we remember the workers who have died, were injured or became ill as a result of their job. We also renew our commitment to protecting workers and preventing workplace tragedies.

“In 2024, 146 B.C. workers died due to workplace illnesses or injuries. My heart goes out to their loved ones and their communities.

“Every workplace death has far-reaching consequences. Lives are cut short. Co-workers are traumatized. And loved ones are devastated – shocked that when they said goodbye in the morning, they were saying goodbye forever.

“Our government is committed to working toward a future where every worker in this province goes home safe and healthy at the end of their day. And, if people are hurt on the job, that they get all the support they need.

“Last year, occupational diseases, including exposure to asbestos, remained the No. 1 workplace killer in B.C. By partnering with WorkSafeBC to introduce new asbestos licensing and certification requirements, we have made workplaces safer and healthier, but we know there is much more work to do.

“In the past year, we have made it easier for people from more professions to access workers’ compensation for psychological injuries caused by work-related trauma. We also became the first jurisdiction in Canada to provide basic protections for gig workers, including covering them through WorkSafeBC. And we addressed an important health-and-safety issue by making it mandatory to have flush toilets at construction sites with 25 workers or more.

“National Day of Mourning serves as a reminder that we have more to do. One workplace death or injury is one too many. Everyone has a right to come home to their family at the end of the day, and we will continue to work toward that goal in partnership with workers, the labour movement and employers.

“Today, we honour those we have lost, alongside their loved ones and colleagues. And, in their memory, we recommit to ensuring that no one ever has to pay the ultimate price, just for a paycheque.”

More info can be found here.

Something going on in the Nechako Valley area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

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