Day of Mourning services were hosted around the province by ACSA’s Regional Safety Committees on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28. The commemorative events were well attended, some featuring local politicians, community leaders, and family members who had suffered a loss. The Parkland (Red Deer) RSC event included an RCMP Honour Guard.
The National Day of Mourning is recognized Canada-wide each April 28. The Edmonton ASCA held a small remembrance moment on Friday, April 27 for staff and students.
Following are some of the comments reported from some of the events around the province:
“Workplaces across the country have never been safer thanks to the outstanding work that professionals have done in safety of all sectors whether it be healthcare or any sector. So, we need to improve education so that one day zero lives will be lost due to unsafe work practices” – Lloydminser deputy mayor, Stephanie Brown Munro; via Lloydminster Meridian Booster
“I think it’s important to take a pause, and to really think hard about the safety of workers at the work place. We’re all so busy in our lives and with work, but these things are important to think about” – Vice-chair of the Medicine Hat RSC, Jason Wheeler; via Medicine Hat News
“I find marking this day is healing just to see other people care about people who do lose their loved ones to workplace accidents, but there is a lot more that needs to be done and legislation that is in place needs to be enforced” – Jacki Fuhrmann, lost her father to a workplace incident; via Lethbridge Herald
Steps for Life is an annual fundraiser for Threads of Life, a national charity organization dedicated to supporting families coping with the loss of a loved one due a workplace incident. Many of the ACSA’s Regional Safety Committees organized fundraising events in support of Steps for Life over this past weekend.
Lethbridge RSC enjoyed a huge turn out of XXXX people, while the Grande Prairie RSC had a successful event with 110 attending despite a last minute move from Muskoseepi Park to Crystal Lake Park due to flooding. The ACSA’s Wood Buffalo RSC raised around $19,000.
The Edmonton RSC hosted a ball hockey tournament on April 28 which generated $7000, $1500 more than last year (we’re proud to report that ACSA’s team, the Pylons made it to the quarter finals). Additionally, the Edmonton RSC persuaded the City of Edmonton to light the High Level Bridge in orange in recognition of the Day of Mourning.
Lakeland RSC will be hosting a motorcycle rally in June and the Calgary RSC is taking registrations for their 14th Annual Golf Classic, also in June.
If you would like to be involved with your local RSC and their events, please visit our webpage for contact information.
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