OCNews

A gathering that honours the memory of workers who have been killed, injured, or suffered illness because of work-related incidents is taking place at the end of the month. 

In 2021, there were 161 work-related deaths in B.C. This is the highest it has been in the past six years, with the most dangerous subsector being General Construction. Three work-related death claims have been filed in the Okanagan-Similkameen region. 

Day of Mourning BC hopes to renew our commitment to creating safer workplaces.  

First recognized in 1984 by The Canadian Labour Congress, the day became a national observance with the passing of the Worker’s Mourning Day Act in 1991. Since then, the day has received widespread acknowledgement around the world. 

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 since 1997 in Vancouver. Now, communities across B.C. host their own public events. There are approximately 45 permanent worker memorial sites sponsored by WorkSafeBC. 

The observance of the day on Parliament Hill is that the Canadian Flag is flown at half-mast and the various ways employees and workers observe the day include wearing ribbons, lighting candles and observing moments of silence. 

In Kelowna the event is taking place at Ben Lee Park, on April 28 at 12 p.m. 

In Vernon the event is taking place at City Hall, on April 28 at 10:30 a.m. 

You can honour a fallen worker on their website.