Letter: On This Day of Mourning, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound NDP Calls for Safer Workplaces
The Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound NDP marks the 2026 Day of Mourning by honouring fallen workers and calling for stronger safety measures and employer accountability.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor,
The Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Electoral District Association of the New Democratic Party adds its voice to those kindred caring community voices that mark with sadness April 28, the 2026 Day of Mourning for workers who have been killed, injured or made unwell in the workplace.
We recognize and grieve over the loss of lives, of well-being, and of family and community integrity that workplace injuries and illnesses have imposed during this past year and all previous years.
At the same time, we recognize with joy and appreciation those in our community, province and nation who work tirelessly and daily to make our workplaces safe. Today’s heroes stand on the shoulders of those who have done this crucial work in the past, and today’s heroes are the shoulders on which future heroes will stand.
We hold it to be true that workers are not mere units of production, nor are we simply units of consumption. Workplace safety rests ultimately on a foundation of justice, fairness and compassion across our society.
A quarter of a century ago, Indigenous activist Gary Night Owl wrote, “Our ancestors taught us that every single member of our community is too valuable to forsake. We do not shoot our wounded.”
His words mean much to all of us on this Day of Mourning because workers who have survived workplace trauma, and the families of those who have died or been injured, are owed our support as a matter of justice, not charity.
As a society, we can respect and honour the memory of those who have died by saving the lives of those still working in dangerous conditions, reducing injuries, providing adequate support for grieving families and those disabled, and charging employers and inspectors when they are negligent.
James Harris
Vice President
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound New Democratic Party
Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of The Owen Sound Current and its editor or publisher.