News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following message was issued today by Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault in recognition of the National Day of Mourning:

As a government, we recognize the necessity of a safe work environment for every New Brunswicker. Everybody needs, and should be able, to do his or her job without having to be concerned about safety while at work. 

Workplace accidents are preventable, and employers and employees need to continue to work together to help reduce the number of accidents that happen on the job each year.

Today we take a moment to reflect and remember those lost or injured. Their loss serves as a reminder that we must continue collective efforts to reduce the number of accidents on the job each year.

As minister responsible for WorkSafeNB, I believe it is important to foster a safe work environment for all our province's workers, and I am proud that New Brunswick boasts one of the lowest injury rates in Canada.

The National Day of Mourning was officially recognized by the Government of Canada in 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress.

Canada joins more than 100 countries in recognizing April 28 as the National Day of Mourning. Across Canada, events will be held in workplaces and communities to honour those lives lost and to raise awareness of the importance of health and safety in the workplace.

I want to express my sympathy to the families, co-workers, businesses and individuals who have been affected by workplace accidents, and I encourage all individuals to strive to improve workplace safety in our province.