Day of Mourning – BC Ceremony Locations

See if there is a ceremony happening near you here: https://www.dayofmourning.bc.ca/

Across BC, people are wearing an orange ribbon and observing the Day of Mourning for fallen workers. Local 118 recognizes this day especially, as we mourn the loss of members who were victims of the workplace hazards including of Asbestos exposure. BC Insulators would like to commemorate and not forget, so that we can continue the fight against issues in BC that continue to threaten workers. There are several special events happening across BC which observe this meaningful date. See what ceremonies are happening in your area here: https://www.dayofmourning.bc.ca/

2021DOM_Backgrounder

The national Day of Mourning is observed in Canada on April 28. The day honours the memory of workers who have been killed, injured, or suffered illness as a result of work related incidents. • The Canadian Labour Congress first recognized the Day of Mourning in 1984. In 1991, this day became a national observance with the passing of the Workers Mourning Day Act, and on April 28, 1991, the federal government officially proclaimed the national Day of Mourning. • Canada was the first nation to recognize the Day of Mourning and since 1984, acknowledgement of the day has spread to many countries and is now observed throughout the world. • Typically, the Canadian flag on Parliament Hill is flown at half-mast, and workers and employees observe the day in various ways including wearing ribbons, lighting candles, and observing moments of silence. British Columbia • Since 1997, the BC Federation of Labour, the Business Council of British Columbia, and WorkSafeBC have co-hosted a public commemorative ceremony for the Day of Mourning in Vancouver, B.C. • In 2001, WorkSafeBC, the BC Federation of Labour, and the Business Council of British Columbia dedicated a permanent workers’ memorial in the Sanctuary in Hastings Park, Vancouver. • There are approximately 45 permanent worker memorial sites sponsored by WorkSafeBC in British Columbia. • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the difficult decision was made to cancel the in-person ceremony in 2021, with an online video and moment of silence taking its place. • The 2021 Day of Mourning ceremony will be available at 10:30 am on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021, at dayofmourning.bc.ca.