County lowers flags in honour of National Day of Mourning

By Cecilia Nasmith

Flags at all Northumberland County buildings will fly at half-mast over the weekend in honour of the April 28 National Day of Mourning – the annual tribute recognizing workers who have lost their lives, have been injured, or are suffering illness as a result of work-related incidents.

"This is a very important day for all Canadians, as we pay our respects to  the victims of workplace incidents and their families, and renew our commitment to preserving and promoting safe and healthy work environments,” Warden John Logel stated in the county press release.

“Health and safety in the workplace are shared responsibilities, with employers, employees, government and the community working together to assess and put measures in place to ensure occupational illnesses, injuries and fatalities never occur.”

More than 80 countries worldwide recognize the National Day of Mourning. In Canada, it was officially recognized by the Federal government in 1991, when it was made a national day of observance.

For more information about the National Day of Mourning, visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety at www.ccohs.ca.