Sparwood hosted the annual Day of Mourning ceremony in Centennial Square on Monday afternoon, recognizing workers who have been killed, injured, or suffered illness due to workplace related hazards and incidents.
The ceremony featured a number of speakers, including Sparwood Mayor Lois Halko, Work Safe BC Safety Inspector Jeff McKay, United Steelworks local 9346 President Alex Hanson, and United Steelworkers local 7284 President Nick Howard.
Originally known as Workers' Memorial Day and created by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Canadian Labour Congress declared April 28 an annual day of remembrance in 1985. The day became a national observance with the passing of the Workers Mourning Day Act in December 1990, making April 28, 1991 the first official National Day of Mourning for those killed or injured in the workplace.