April 26, 2024 (Winnipeg) – Each year, Manitoba designates April 28 as the Day of Mourning to remember and honour workers who have lost their lives due to workplace injury or illness. In 2023, 22 workers died due to work-related causes. The Day of Mourning serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the ongoing efforts needed to prevent such tragedies.“Each year, it is important to take a moment and reflect on the Manitobans who died from injuries and illnesses that they suffered at work last year,” said Malaya Marcelino, Manitoba’s Minister of Labour and Immigration. ” Manitobans deserve to feel safe on the job and their loved ones should be able to count on their safe return home. Our government wants Manitobans to know that we have their backs at work and we are committed to making workplaces safer for everyone.”
“Educating Manitobans about workplace safety and health is a priority for the WCB,” adds Catherine Skinner, Acting President and CEO of WCB. “Safety knowledge is the first step in preventing workplace injuries and illnesses and getting Manitobans home safe each day.”
Safe Workers of Tomorrow will hold their annual Leaders’ Walk on April 26 to honour those who have died due to workplace injuries or illnesses. The not-for-profit organization, which educates high school students about workplace safety, has held the annual walk for more than 25 years. The walk will start at Union Centre on Broadway and Smith Street at 11:30 a.m. and proceed down Broadway to Memorial Park. At noon, a ceremony will be held at the Manitoba Workers Memorial located at the park.
“We organize the Leaders’ Walk each year as a way to bring the community together to commemorate those whose lives were lost to workplace tragedies,” said Peter Reimer, Executive Director of Safe Workers of Tomorrow. “We know the effect of these losses is devastating and that each of these Manitobans is missed dearly by family, friends and coworkers.”
The theme of this year’s Walk is Violence in the Workplace.
“This year, we unite to honour those who have been tragically affected, while also renewing our commitment to prevention and support,” Reimer added.
Flags at provincial government buildings and the WCB building will be lowered to half-mast to acknowledge the Day of Mourning.
About the WCB:
The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba serves workers and employers through a no-fault insurance system integral to the Manitoba economy. Funded collectively by employers, the WCB promotes safe and healthy workplaces, facilitates recovery and return to work, delivers compassionate and supportive compensation services to workers and employers, and ensures responsible stewardship of Manitoba’s workers compensation system.
For more information, visit wcb.mb.ca.
