“Each year, April 28 marks the National Day of Mourning. It’s a day to honour and remember workers who were killed or injured on the job or suffered a work-related illness.
“Today, my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with these workers, their families, friends and co-workers.
“In 2021, we lost 178 men and women as a result of workplace incidents, illnesses or work-related motor vehicle collisions. They were more than just workers. They were parents, partners, siblings, sons, daughters, neighbours and friends. They touched so many lives in so many ways. Their contributions made our lives richer. Their absence makes our lives poorer.
“The National Day of Mourning is a reminder that all of us – employers, workers and governments – have responsibilities to create healthy and safe workplaces.
“The Government of Alberta is committed to working with stakeholders to learn from these tragedies and take steps to help prevent workplace deaths in the future. The Occupational Health and Safety Act, which was recently updated, provides fundamental rights and protections for workers to ensure they are working in healthy and safe environments. After all, one workplace death is one too many.
“Today, let us take time to remember our fallen workers. And, let us continue to work together to keep our workplaces healthy and safe.”