Flags across Chatham-Kent will be at half-mast today in honour of Canada’s National Day of Mourning, remembering those who have lost their lives, been hurt, or become ill on the job.
The commemoration was established in 1984 by the Canadian Labour Congress to honour workers and their families affected by workplace accidents. The federal Workers Mourning Day Act was later passed by parliament in 1991.
According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, in 2021, there were 1,081 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada. Among these deaths were 18 young workers aged 15-24.
The Chatham-Kent Labour Council is holding a service to mark the occasion at 5:30pm on Grand Avenue West, across from the Thames Lea Plaza.
There will be two moments of silence today at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, at 11am and again tonight at 8pm to honour all those who have been affected by a workplace death, injury, or illness.
