WSIB holds ceremony to honour workers who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace
Toronto, April 28, 2017 – The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) commemorated the National Day of Mourning at a ceremony this morning. Threads of Life families who have lost a loved one, workers, employers and WSIB staff gathered to honour workers who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace.
Speakers included Elizabeth Witmer, WSIB Chair, Tom Teahen, WSIB President and CEO,the Honourable Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour and Threads of Life speaker Elaine Keunen, whose son was killed in a workplace accident.
“I am informed every time a worker in Ontario loses his or her life,” said Elizabeth Witmer, WSIB Chair. “It’s not the kind of notice I want to get, but I think it’s something I must get. It sends a message of just how important health and safety is to us, and how heavy our hearts are when tragedy occurs.”
Last year in Ontario, 208 people were killed at work or died from an occupational disease. “To everyone who has suffered from a workplace tragedy, the WSIB stands with you,” said Tom Teahen, WSIB President and CEO.
At sunset this evening, the CN Tower and the 3D TORONTO sign in Nathan Phillips Square will be lit in yellow, traditionally a colour of hope, as a visible tribute to the Day of Mourning.
The WSIB has created a website (www.wsibdayofmourning.ca) where people can view and share a special video, and write a tribute for a loved one or co-worker who has been killed on the job or has been affected by a workplace tragedy.
April 28 was chosen as the date for the National Day of Mourning in 1984, when the Canadian Labour Congress proclaimed the Day to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the day the first Ontario Workers’ Compensation Act was approved by the government. The Day of Mourning was enshrined in national legislation by an Act of Parliament on February 1, 1991.
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For further information, please contact:
WSIB media relations
media@wsib.on.ca
416-344-4202