Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Markham recognizes National Day of Mourning with new “Zero is the number” video

MARKHAM, ON – April 28, 2021 – Today, the City of Markham has released a new online video in recognition of the National Day of Mourning to honour and remember workers who have lost their lives, been seriously injured or who have suffered illness due to workplace hazards. On this day, Markham renews our commitment to ensure a healthy and safe workplace with zero deaths, zero accidents and zero injuries on the job - zero is the number.

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, workplace health and safety has never been more important, especially for frontline workers and first responders. It is also fitting that a video tribute is once again being used in 2021 as a way to safely recognize and commemorate this day. Today, the flags at Markham Civic Centre, 8100 Warden Ave. and Markham Fire Stations will fly at half-staff.

“On this National Day of Mourning, the City of Markham is committed to zero,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Zero deaths, zero accidents, zero injuries. By ensuring all of our workplaces are safe, and that all of our staff are appropriately trained on equipment and develop the skills to stay safe at work. As we continue to face COVID-19, we recognize and thank those who are on the front lines, including our healthcare heroes, first responders, grocery store employees, truck drivers and all the other essential workers. Today we pause, remember and express our gratitude for those on the front lines, you are heroes.”

The National Day of Mourning is commemorated nationally every year to ensure that workplace tragedies are not forgotten. The date April 28 was chosen in 1984, when the Canadian Labour Congress proclaimed the day to align with the 70th anniversary of the provincial government’s approval of the Workers Compensation Act.

Canadian workers and employers observe the National Day of Mourning in several ways, by lighting candles, wearing commemorative pins, ribbons or black armbands, laying wreaths and pausing for a moment of silence.

"On this National Day of Mourning, we pay our respects to and remember the workers who have lost their lives or have been injured at work," says Chief Adam Grant, Markham Fire & Emergency Services. "We are committed to strong health and safety principles and practices such as staff training and active supervision to eliminate and reduce risk in our workplace. Every member of our Fire service has the right to return home safely at the end of each work day."

"On this National Day of Mourning, we remember and pay tribute to our sisters and brothers who we have lost in workplace accidents," says Rob Kerfoot, Unit Chairperson for CUPE Local 905 Markham. "A healthy and safe workplace is the right of every worker and this is why we advocate every day for awareness and safety efforts to keep workers safe. More than ever, COVID-19 highlights the need for us to stand together for safe working conditions.”

City of Markham's National Day of Mourning Video:

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff at bfrois@markham.ca or 416.567.1177.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Jennifer Yap, Coordinator, Communications and Media Relations at jyap@markham.ca or 437.229.2450.

For COVID-19 announcements from the City of Markham:
Visit markham.ca/covid19 or listen to 105.9 The Region – Markham’s information and emergency radio station.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 355,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 240 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. Markham has received the Excellence Canada Gold Award for Organizational Quality & Healthy Workplace, and multiple heritage and environmental awards.

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