April 28th is a day like no other. It is a Day of Mourning.

WSIB holds ceremony to honour workers who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace

TORONTO, April 28, 2015 /CNW/ - The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) commemorated the National Day of Mourning at a ceremony this morning. Threads of Life families, labour and employers and WSIB staff, gathered to honour workers who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace.

Speakers included the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, Elizabeth Witmer, WSIB Chair, the Honourable Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour and Patti Penny, mother of Luke Penny who was killed at work in 2010.

"Today we come together to remember and honour the many workers who have suffered workplace injuries, occupational diseases or lost their lives while on the job," said Chair, Elizabeth Witmer. "Today we are reminded of the terrible human, social and economic toll that workplace illnesses, injuries and fatalities can take on families, friends and communities. Today we must reaffirm and rededicate ourselves to the task of doing all we can to eliminate workplace injuries, occupational diseases and fatalities and make our workplaces healthy and safe."

Last year in Ontario, 233 people were killed at work or died from an occupational disease. At sunset this evening, the CN Tower will be lit in yellow, traditionally a colour of hope, as a visible tribute to the Day of Mourning. Numerous events to mark the day are also being held in communities across the province and the country.

To help mark the day, people are invited to visit www.wsibdayofmourning.ca to view 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. People can also send memorial tweets using #DayofMourning.

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.

SOURCE Workplace Safety & Insurance Board

please visit www.wsibdayofmourning.ca or contact: Tonya Johnson, [email protected], 416-344-4374