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Day of Mourning event comes to Lake Cowichan

In 2014 The Annual Day of Mourning will be held on Monday, April 28 and a ceremony in Lake Cowichan will mark the occasion.

The Day of Mourning has now grown into a worldwide event observed by unions, central labour bodies, labour councils, municipalities and national governments. It is observed in nearly 100 countries worldwide; it has been formally endorsed by the International

Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and the Parliament of Canada officially recognized the Day of Mourning in 1991.

The Nanaimo, Duncan & District Labour Council will host three Day of Mourning ceremonies on Monday, April 28 at three different locations: Lake Cowichan in the Woodworkers Memorial Park at 10 a.m., Nanaimo in Pioneer Plaza on the waterfront at 1 p.m., and at the rear of Parksville City Hall at 4 p.m. In 2013, there were 128 workplace

fatality claims in British Columbia, including six young workers. On average, more than two workers die every week instead of going home to their families.

Representatives of the Labour Council, other unions and a Worksafe BC safety officer will be speaking about the hazards of the workplace, and what can be done to improve worker safety.

In Lake Cowichan, the Kaatza Museum will open by 9 a.m., and will serve refreshments after the service. The Wilmer Gold forest photos will be on display.