Day of Mourning 2014

April 28 is recognized as the National Day of Mourning. On this day, we are reminded of the grim statistics of workers who have died or been injured in Canadian workplaces. Still many more have been discouraged or prevented from claiming compensation they were entitled to.  We also remember the fact that these numbers are real people with real families.

This is not, however, purely a day of remembrance, it is also a day to call to action.  It is a day to recognize changes that will create safe workplaces for our members and everyone in Canada. With the recent changes to health and safety legislation under the Canada Labour Code, with the introduction of Bill C-4, the need to take action is greater than ever before for this generation of workers.

The Bill changes the definition of “danger” to “imminent or serious threat to the life or health of a person”.

• Bill C-4 removes the concept of danger as a potential occurrence.  It removes the language of a “potential hazard”. 

• Bill C-4 removes the idea that workers deserve protection from activities or conditions that could cause them danger in the future and its impact on a worker’s reproductive system

All authority and powers of Health and Safety Officers are now being removed and placed with the Minister.

• The Bill removes all reference to an inspectorate of autonomous neutral trained professional health and safety officers. The Minister or her appointee can refuse to look into a matter if the Minister deems the worker’s health and safety concern to be trivial, frivolous, vexatious or in bad faith. 

Bill C-4 states that the Minister of Labour may administer or enforce electronically the Canada Labour Code. This will allow the Minister to do virtual investigations.

• Up until now, the cornerstone of ensuring healthy and safe workplaces has been an internal responsibility system based on worker and employer engagement, consultation and participation. 

We encourage all PSAC members across the Prairie Region to attend local National Day of Mourning observances and bring neighbours, friends, and members from their Locals. Please contact one of us or your PSAC regional office for information on events taking place in your area.

View the CLC infographic with more stats and information.

View the special Prairies Video Project video on asbestos awareness.

In Solidarity,

Your Prairie Region Council Health and Safety Committee