Premier David Eby has issued the following statement in recognition of the National Day of Mourning:

“Today, on the National Day of Mourning, we remember workers who were killed or suffered serious injury or illness while on the job. It is a sombre day on which we recommit to ending tragedies in the workplace.

“Every workplace death is a tragedy, whether from traumatic injury, motor vehicle accident or occupational disease. Last year, 138 workers died on the job or from diseases related to their employment.

“We are working every day to improve workplace safety and to reduce risks and occupational hazards.

“Together with labour leaders, industry representatives, regulators and technical experts, our government will be introducing new standards for improving crane safety in the province following a catastrophic crane failure that killed five workers in Kelowna.

“Major nation-building projects are moving forward in British Columbia and the people who build them must have the best level of safety possible. We are determined to make our province a national leader in crane safety with the highest standards of training, certification and oversight.

“In 2024, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to enforce a formal licensing program related to asbestos. Employers involved in removing, repairing, transporting or disposing of asbestos now need to be licensed, while workers need certifications to do this work. Asbestos-related diseases are the leading cause of workplace-related deaths in the province.

“One workplace death or injury is one too many. We must continue to work with urgency and determination, together with partners, to ensure that all workers can return home safely at the end of their shift.”

Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour, said:

“When safety standards fall short, workers pay the price. Today is a solemn reminder for all of us – workers, employers and governments – to reaffirm our shared commitment to the highest possible standards for safety in the workplace.

“Every worker we remember is deeply missed by their loved ones every day. They deserve our commitment and action to ensure that B.C. workplaces are the safest in Canada.”