‘Mark of respect’: PRRD lowers flags for Day of Mourning

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has joined the rest of the province in mourning workers who have lost their lives due to workplace injuries and diseases.

April 28th is the National Day of Mourning, an event that’s been commemorated every year in Canada since 1984.

PRRD chair Leonard Hiebert issued a statement on the morning of the 28th to mark the occasion.

“Last year alone, according to Day of Mourning BC, 146 workers in British Columbia lost their lives due to workplace injury or disease,” Hiebert said. 

“Each of these tragedies underscores the critical responsibility that both employers and employees share in ensuring healthy and safe work environments for everyone.”

Hiebert claimed the district lowered the flags outside its office in Dawson Creek as a “mark of respect for those who have suffered workplace loss and as a renewed promise to prevent future incidents.”

He also encouraged residents of Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and Hudson’s Hope to participate in the local Day of Mourning events being held in those communities.

“Let us stand together to remember the fallen and to reaffirm our commitment to preventing future workplace tragedies,” Hiebert concluded.