Markham Holds National Day of Mourning Ceremony

Today, the City of Markham held a recognition ceremony for the National Day of Mourning to honour and remember those workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness due to workplace related hazards and incidents.

Tragically, 852 workplace deaths were recorded in 2015 in Canada. To ensure they are never forgotten, each year the Day of Mourning is commemorated nationally. Over 100 community and staff members joined Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Members of Council, union representatives and health & safety committee members to participate in a candle lighting ceremony this morning to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives due to work-related tragedies.

April 28 was chosen to reflect the National Day of Mourning in 1984, when the Canadian Labour Congress proclaimed the day to align with the 70th anniversary of the day the provincial government approved the Ontario Workers' Compensation Act.

Speakers at the event included:

• Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  
• Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor and Director of Human Resources
  
• Dave Davies, Unit Chairperson for CUPE Local 905 Markham Unit
  
• Nancy Myles, Senior Health & Safety Specialist
  
• Patti Penny, Threads of Life Guest Speaker
  

QUOTES

• "This Day serves as a reminder of the continued need to demonstrate our commitment to the promotion of safe and healthy workplaces, where every worker returns home safely each day," said Mayor Frank Scarpitti.
  
• "It is a day to recognize the family members, friends and colleagues of those workers that are forever impacted by these tragic events," said Dave Davies, Unit Chairperson for CUPE Local 905 Markham Unit

PHOTO

From left to right: Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor and Acting Director of Human Resources; Jeremy Acton, Markham Professional Fire Fighters Association President; Mayor Frank Scarpitti; Patti Penny, Threads of Life Guest Speaker; Nancy Myles, Senior Health & Safety Specialist; Dave Davies, Unit Chairperson for CUPE Local 905 Markham Unit.