Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond has released the following statement today on the national Day of Mourning:

“Today in British Columbia and across the country, we pause to honour those whose lives were tragically cut short or changed forever by injury at the workplace with the national Day of Mourning.

“We gather to support families, colleagues and communities whose lives have been changed forever. To the families, we want you to know we honour your loved ones and we are deeply sorry for your loss. No words can adequately capture, neither can we understand, the impact of the pain and heartbreak that families, co-workers and communities have experienced, but it can motivate us to do more and to do better.

“Today we recommit ourselves to work tirelessly and relentlessly to create a culture of safety that makes these kinds of tragedies a thing of the past. Today is about remembering the mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, daughters and sons who have been affected by a workplace injury or death.

“We have made improvements in safety in the workplace throughout British Columbia, but all of us agree that one life lost, or one serious injury, is simply one too many. We must work together to prevent future tragedies.

“Today, all MLAs will join together in a moment of silence in the legislature to officially recognize the Day of Remembrance. I want to recognize the opposition Labour Critic Harry Bains for bringing forward this most-appropriate idea.

“It will be a symbol of our commitment to stand together in support of those who are dealing with the aftermath of the loss or injury of a loved one.

“We can and must do more, and we will do our best to do just that.”

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training
and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799