Statement by Mayor Fred Eisenberger on the National Day of Mourning

Hamilton, ON – This National Day of Mourning gives us an important opportunity to honour and remember those who went to work as usual and did not return home or who returned home suffering from an injury or illness from their workplace. 

While this day has been held annually in Canada since 1985 and is now recognized in more than 100 countries—death, injury and illnesses still happen all too often on the job. 

Today, at 11 A.M., we will join millions of Canadians for a moment of silence to reflect upon all those affected by workplace tragedy. I have requested that flags at City facilities fly at half-mast and that the Hamilton Sign be illuminated yellow in honour of the victims and their families. Members of the public may also visit or lay a wreath at the Monument for the Day of Mourning located outside City Hall. 

We have seen the importance these last two years of protecting workers during our response to COVID-19, and we have learned that preventing injury and illness requires collective commitment, collaboration, and expertise to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of employees remains a daily priority for all of us.