Flag raising marks National Day of Mourning

A solemn flag-raising ceremony was held Sunday morning at Brandon City Hall, as the community gathered to mark the National Day of Mourning.

The event, attended by about 40 residents, was an emotional tribute to workers who have tragically lost their lives or been injured on the job.

The ceremony, organized by the Brandon and District Labour Council, saw the participation of key figures such as Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, MLA for Brandon East and Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations Glen Simard, as well as residents, union members and family members of those affected by workplace accidents.

The event was organized to reflect the importance of the Day of Mourning, which is observed annually on April 28, although this year the ceremony was held a day earlier due to the federal election, labour council president Kirk Carr said.

“Every worker deserves to return home safely at the end of the day, free from the threat of injury or illness,” Carr said. “Yet, tragically, too many never make it home. Each death, injury or illness is a stark reminder of the urgent need for change.”

Carr explained the National Day of Mourning was first declared by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984 and was officially recognized by the Canadian government in 1991, and similar occasions are marked in more than 100 countries worldwide. He noted that in Canada in 2023 alone, nearly 1,000 workers lost their lives and more than 274,000 others suffered injuries or illnesses.

The Brandon ceremony was particularly poignant, as Carr shared the news that 18 workers in Manitoba had lost their lives this year due to workplace accidents and occupational diseases. Of these, six were from occupational diseases and twelve from traumatic injuries.

During the ceremony, Erin Gabrielle shared her family’s experience with a workplace injury.

Erin’s husband, Troy, was involved in a construction accident earlier this year that left him paralyzed from the waist down. She spoke about the emotional toll the accident had taken on their family, but also about Troy’s resilience and determination.

“Troy has always been someone who wants to learn new things and be active. He adapted quickly to working alongside our son in the construction industry. But in January, our world changed forever,” Gabrielle said, her voice choked with emotion.

Gabrielle shared how Troy’s positive attitude has helped him navigate his recovery and become an advocate for workplace safety. “Troy’s message for everyone is: don’t let your disability dictate your accomplishments. Always look out for each other, speak up if something feels unsafe, and remember you have the right to refuse unsafe work,” she urged.

There is a need to remember those who have passed, but also the ongoing efforts required to improve workplace safety, Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett said.

“Whether it’s military service or everyday work, we need to ensure that our workers get home safely,” Fawcett said. “We do everything we can to make sure people come home, and we need to keep doing that in our daily lives as well.”

Glen Simard, MLA for Brandon East and Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations, also expressed his commitment to improving workplace safety. He highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen workplace health and safety laws and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, employers and workers to create safer work environments.

“Today, we stand together in solemn recognition of the people and communities that have been irreparably impacted by preventable workplace tragedies,” Simard said. “No one should have to sacrifice their life to make a living. We must work together to ensure a future where every worker in Manitoba can be safe and secure on the job.”

The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence to honour the 18 workers in Manitoba who lost their lives this year, as well as countless others who have been affected by workplace injuries and illnesses. The flag was lowered in tribute, and Carr’s words resonated deeply: “We mourn for the dead, but we will fight like hell for the living.”

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