P.E.I. honours injured and killed workers on National Day of Mourning

Flags are flying at half-mast on P.E.I. today to remember workers killed or injured on the job.

Held every April 28, the National Day of Mourning commemorates those who have been killed or injured in the workplace, as well as those who have become ill as a result of their work. The day also encourages employers and employees to ensure safe workplaces.

The day started in Canada with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), was adopted by the Canadian Labour Congress and then spread to other countries.

CUPE P.E.I. says on average one worker dies every eight hours in Canada.

Event in Charlottetown

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement Friday, encouragingall Canadians to take a moment to honour workers who have lost their lives, been injured or become ill on the job.

While flags fly half-mast at all federal buildings, there were also flag-raising ceremonies in Charlottetown and Summerside, P.E.I.

There is also a PEI Federation of Labour event at Memorial Hall at the ConfederationCentre of the Artsin Charlottetown at 7 p.m. All are welcome.

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