Peace region Day of Mourning events honour deceased, injured, sick workers

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Three Peace region municipalities are organizing ceremonies to remember workers across B.C. who died from injuries or diseases sustained on the job.

Events are being held on Sunday morning in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Hudson’s Hope, commemorating the National Day of Mourning, an annual observance for people killed, injured or made ill in the workplace.

The National Day of Mourning was established in 1990.

The City of Fort St. John is inviting residents to take part in a group walk beginning at Festival Plaza at 11:30 a.m.

Attendees will follow a route along 96th Avenue, 96th Street, 93rd Avenue, and 100th Street, passing local landmarks like the Pomeroy Sports Centre, North Peace Leisure Pool, and Centennial Park before returning to the plaza.

Afterward, there will be a wreath-laying and a public barbecue. 

Members of the B.C. General Employee’s Union’s Area 10 Cross Component Committee and the North Central Labour Council will also be in attendance.

Meanwhile, in Dawson Creek, a ceremony will be held from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Worker’s Memorial Sculpture next to City Hall, with refreshments afterward at the Fire Hall.

The ceremony in Hudson’s Hope will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Municipal Worker’s Monument outside the Hudson’s Hope District Office.

Residents can learn more about the Day of Mourning and other events happening across the province here.