Image Credit: CFJC Today / File

By Dave Barry

Day of Mourning

Day of Mourning ceremony planned for Kamloops

Apr 28, 2022 | 8:05 AM

KAMLOOPS – Workers who did not return home from work safely are being recognized on today’s National Day of Mourning across Canada.

A ceremony led by the Kamloops and District Labour Council (KDLC) is planned this evening (Apr. 28) at St. Andrews on the Square.

The Council believes workplace deaths are preventable and is committed to supporting the efforts of Canadian unions in demanding the International Labour Organization adopt occupational health and safety as a fundamental right at work.

In a joint statement, B.C. Premier John Horgan and Harry Bains, Minister of Labour said, “In 2021, 161 people died from work-related illnesses or injuries in British Columbia. That includes 53 workers who lost their long battles with asbestosis and 46 who succumbed to other diseases, including COVID-19.”

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According to the KCLC, a worker somewhere in the world dies at least once every ten seconds. And in Canada, approximately 1,000 worker deaths a year are recognized by governments and workers’ compensation boards.

2022 marks the 10th anniversary of the devastating sawmill explosions at the Babine Forest Products mill near Burns Lake and the Lakeland sawmill in Prince George. Four people were killed and 44 others were injured in those tragedies that shook our province.

Tonight’s ceremony is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Similar ceremonies are planned across the province today.