The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and the PEI Federation of Labour are hosting the Annual National Day of Mourning on Sunday, April 28, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at Province House.
The National Day of Mourning originated in Canada in 1984 and is now observed in more than 70 countries worldwide. It is designed to acknowledge the serious injuries and deaths of workers and to honour their memory.
Every year in Canada, more than 800 workers are killed on the job and, on average, one in every 16 workers is injured. Young workers are 50 percent more likely to be injured on the job than workers with greater experience doing the same job. Workplace accidents and deaths remain too numerous, and all parties have a responsibility to work on prevention. Education is critical in the prevention of these accidents, particularly among young workers.
"By working together, employers, employees and government can increase awareness and action in workplace health and safety initiatives, responsibilities and opportunities, but the prevention of accidents is not something that we, nor anyone else, can do alone, " says Minister Shea. "By working together, safer communities and safer workplaces will be created."
The public and media are invited to attend the National Day of Mourning ceremony at Province House (Lecture Theatre) on Sunday, April 28, 2002 at 2:00 p.m.