The British Columbia government has proclaimed Friday, July 27, 2018, as Ginger Goodwin Day, to celebrate Albert (Ginger) Goodwin, a pioneer of B.C.’s labour movement.

July 27 marks the 100th anniversary of Goodwin's untimely death.

A native of England, Goodwin emigrated to Canada in 1906, arriving in Cumberland in 1910. Cumberland, on Vancouver Island, was a coal-mining centre from 1888 until the 1960s. During this time, at least 260 people died in work-related accidents.

Goodwin took part in the 1912-14 Vancouver Island Coal Miner’s Strike, and played a prominent and fundamental role in the history and growth of B.C.’s labour movement. He was killed near Cumberland on July 27, 1918.

The proclamation acknowledges the achievements and progress made by Goodwin, who was a passionate advocate for fair and safe workplaces. It also reflects government’s firm commitment to protect all workers by putting in place and enforcing the laws, regulations and policies that support safe working environments.

In addition to the proclamation, new highway signs to commemorate Goodwin were unveiled in late June 2018, along a stretch of Highway 19 near Cumberland. With the opening of the Inland Island Highway to the Comox Valley, similar signs were installed in 1996, but were removed in 2001.

Learn More:

More information about Ginger Goodwin can be found online: https://minersmemorial.ca/ginger-goodwin/

To view the proclamation, visit: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/proclamations/proclamations/GngrGdwnDay2018

To read the June 23, 2018, news release on the stretch of Highway 19 dedicated as Ginger Goodwin Way, visit:
https://archive.news.gov.bc.ca/releases/news_releases_2017-2021/2018TRAN0097-001267.htm