Minister Ambrose participates to the commemorative ceremony to mark the National Day of Mourning  

Speaking notes
for
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Labour
National Day of Mourning
April 28, 2009
Ottawa, Ontario

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Today is a very special day as we gather to remember all those who lost their lives or were injured on the job in  Canada.  

I want to commend the Canadian Labour Congress for organizing this special ceremony for the past 25 years.

It all began here in  Canada in 1984.  Now, the National Day of Mourning is celebrated in more than 80 countries around the world, from  Azerbaijan to  Zambia.

Across  Canada, people will don ribbons and black armbands, light candles and observe moments of silence.

As we lay our wreaths and flowers in commemoration today, we will not forget those who have suffered. Every single fatality and injury is unacceptable.  

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.  No words can ease their pain.  But  I believe that the best way to pay tribute to those we honour today is to put forth our best efforts in working towards safer and healthier workplaces.  

Unfortunately, workplace deaths continue to happen in  Canada.

In 2007, nearly 1,100 Canadians died as a result of work-related incidents. This means that on average, three workers died every day. In the same year, approximately 318,000 work-related illnesses and injuries were reported—many of which were considered preventable.

When I hear those numbers, I say we have got to do better.

Few issues touch Canadians as deeply as workplace deaths and injuries.

Each accident has a negative ripple effect in our communities.  For family, friends and colleagues, lives are often shattered.

That’s why it’s so important that we continue to raise awareness about workplace health and safety.

There are still too many victims who pay dearly for a mistake or unfortunate accident.  We must step up our efforts to make our workplaces safer and healthier.

Workplace safety is a daily responsibility, shared by employers, workers, unions and government.  It must involve all of us.

Together, we must continue to make Canadians aware of hazardous working conditions.  We must inform workers of their right to know about health and safety in the workplace, their right to participate in efforts to make places safer, and their right to refuse unacceptable dangerous work.

And we must pay particular attention to young and inexperienced workers, who may lack the experience and confidence to stand up for these rights and keep themselves safe.

Today is a time to remember those who have died and a call to protect the living.

On this National Day of Mourning, I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends and colleagues of Canadians who paid with their lives for their labour.

Let’s honour their memory by helping to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

Let’s redouble our efforts to ensure that  Canada’s workplaces are safe, healthy and productive places for all Canadians to work and succeed.

Thank you.  

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Date Modified:
2009-04-28