Courtesy: CHAT Newsroom

By Angela Kazmierczak

Workers in Medicine Hat observe a National Day of Mourning

Apr 28, 2023 | 4:44 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Workers across Canada took part in a National Day of Mourning.

On April 28th, 2023, ceremonies were held to remember those who were injured, disabled or lost their lives to a work-related incident.

Those in Medicine Hat and surrounding areas gathered at Memorial Arboretum Park to pay their respects. A local is also urging for more awareness of the day, considering the lasting impact these events can leave.

At the event, presenters expressed their views on the health and safety of the workplace, observed a minute of silence and signed hard hats in remembrance.

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Ross Gallant, a union representative Millwright Local 1460, says it’s important that employers and employees observe the day since everybody is touched by death, in any kind of work.

Still, Gallant feels the day should be talked about more in the workplace, as many are unaware of the day.

“This area could’ve been filled with people, with the support of all the community, all the employees, employers, the people who passed away related to work illness and incidents. There’s a lot more people out there that we are not aware of that are all impacted by this,” said Gallant.

John Digman, the chair of Medicine Hat’s Regional Safety Committee, says statistics from the Government of Canada also show that the number of work-related deaths are not declining. In 2021 over 1,000 deaths and over 270,000 claims were reported for work-related injuries and illnesses, and many remain unreported.

Digman says having the memorial is a pledge to ensure less people die each year.

“My job and anybody who is older than you, we want to make sure you are safe in the workplace and that you survive to a ripe old age. We need to improve health and safety in the workplace,” said Digman.

Digman says the same people attend the memorial year after year, considering the attendees never forget their friends, relatives, husbands and wives.

In Gallant’s own life, he has experienced this loss more than once, but feels the increased awareness of mental health issues in recent years is helping. However, rural towns still need to have more discussion about it and embrace a new outlook.

“If I ask for help, it’s a weakness. But in reality if you ask for help, that actually shows strength,” said Gallant.

Gallant continues to hope that more workers become aware of a National Day of Mourning and attend it to remember those who were forever changed.