By Aaron Mahoney (@Mahones93 on Twitter)

Day of Mourning memorial in Lethbridge to honour victims of workplace tragedies

Apr 28, 2018 | 7:39 AM

LETHBRIDGE – People across Canada, and the world stop to remember workers killed, injured or disabled on the job each year on April 28. 

166 Albertans were lost to workplace injury or illness in 2017, and the City of Lethbridge is inviting residents to join them in remembering those lost.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 70, along with the City, and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering are hosting a Day of Mourning ceremony today at noon at the Workers Memorial Site near Mountain View Cemetery. 

A release states the national day of remembrance is an opportunity to honour co-workers, friends and family who have lost their lives to workplace injury and illness, and to collectively renew the City’s commitment to fostering safer workplaces in Lethbridge. Flags at City Hall and other City of Lethbridge facilities will be lowered to half-mast today to honour the occasion.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement today, saying the National Day of Mourning calls attention to workers in Canada and around the world who have lost their lives, suffered illness, or been injured on the job.

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“Every person deserves to be able to provide for themselves and their families, knowing that they will return home safe and sound at the end of their workday. Sadly, too many people face workplace risks to their physical and mental health. We know that some of these risks stem from workplace harassment and violence.”

The National Day of Mourning was officially recognized by the Canadian government in 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress. 

The Day of Mourning has since spread to about 80 countries around the world.