Canadian Building Trades recognizes Day of Mourning 2013

OTTAWA, April 26, 2013 /CNW/ - The Day of Mourning is a nationally recognized day to mourn the fallen from industrial disease and workplace death. On April 28^th Canada reflects on those that gave their lives for infrastructure, buildings we all enjoy and roadways we all drive on. The Canadian Building Trades regrets every injury, every life lost and every occupational disease developed in the workplace. The Day of Mourning is also a day to try and proactively affect the future. Our trades not only reflect at this time of year but also work collaboratively to prevent future tragedies on jobsites across this country one safety harness or boot at a time.

Robert Blakely, Director of Canadian Affairs says "the Day of Mourning is something that most families who have been touched by industrial tragedy or illness pay attention to.  It is a legislated Day of Mourning in Canada and we all should reflect on their loss. Our trades go to work every day with the expectation of returning home to their families.  All Canadians should do their part and speak up when something unsafe is occurring in their workplace."

Jim Smith, International Vice President (Canada) for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters says "all across Canada the skilled trades we stop to reflect by improving our safety routines".  Smith says, "Collaboration with provincial regulators is moving us in the right direction in terms of construction worker safety. Worker safety must be on everyone's mind."

Darrell Laboucan, General Vice President for the International Association of Bridge Structural and Ornamental Ironworkers says the Day of Mourning is significant "because no one needs to die for a job and the Day is an opportunity to refocus on our workplace habits."

According to the Association of Workers Compensation Boards (AWCB) in 2011 there were 919 workplace fatalities in Canada and 249,511 lost time injuries.

About the BCTD

The North America-wide BCTD AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labour Congress of Industrial Organizations) coordinates activities and provides resources to 15 affiliated trade unions in the construction, maintenance and fabrication industries. In Canada, the BCTD represents 500,000 skilled trades workers.

SOURCE: Building & Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO

Christopher Smillie
Government Relations and Public Affairs
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