10:59 am April 28, 2023. The Flag is flown half-mast today. In one more minute, when the clock rings 11:00 am, everyone will be encouraged to observe a moment of silence, to Pause, Reflect, Remember and Renew. Today, on this 28th day of April, we pause, reflect and remember theworkers who have died, were injured or became ill from their job. We grieve and honour them. Today, on this day known as the National Day of Mourning in Canada, we again renew our commitment to continued health and safety in the workplace. One worker lost, is one life too many.

According to the Association of Worker’s Compensation Boards of Canada, in 2021 alone there were recorded 1 081 workplace fatalities in Canada – 18 of these fatalities were young workers aged 18-24 years.

Let me refocus that statistic for you, our UNA Local 115 reader. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started, between the periods of January 15, 2020 to January 14, 2022, in Canada alone there has been an estimated 150 546 heath care workers that have contracted COVID-19, of which 46 have died because of the virus. That is 46 faces … lived, loved and lost. Any one of these 46 lives could have been colleagues that you share quick lunches with in the break room, cried with after a code blue or laughed with when you finally were able to crack a joke with the patient that just never smiles.

Worldwide, those 46 lives lost increased to a conservatively estimated 115 000 health care workers who have died because of COVID-19, between January 2020 and May 2021 alone.

Ever since 1991, The Parliament of Canada, following the lead of the Canadian Labour Congress eight years earlier, has enshrined April 28 annually as the National Day of Mourning, dedicated to remembering and honoring those who have been injured, sick or lost their lives on the job. This Day of Mourning has now spread to 100 countries worldwide.

Today, on April 28, 2023, when you walk by and see the Flag flown at half mast, remember the workers who have died, were injured or became ill from their job. When you see someone wearing a black armband, lighting a candle or laying a wreath, grieve and honour those whose lives were forever changed by a workplace tragedy. When 11:00 am strikes and a minute of silence falls, renew and commit in your heart, to protect workers, to improve workplace health and safety and prevent any more injury, death or illness. One colleague lost, is one too many.

*If you are in the Calgary area, consider attending a wreath laying memorial service hosted by the CDLC. More information can be found at: http://www.thecdlc.ca/event/apr-28-day-of-mourning-at-city-hall/

And of course, please don’t hesitate to contact local115exec@una.ca if any questions arise.