National Day of Mourning ceremony set for Sunday in Iqaluit

Nunavut’s legislative assembly will be open on Sunday at noon to mark the National Day of Mourning.

“It’s a day that’s dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job or experienced a work-related tragedy,” said Jason Rochon, president of the Nunavut Employees Union.

Sunday’s ceremony runs from noon until 1 p.m. It will include a moment of silence, laying of flowers and a wreath, as well as a speech by Rochon.

Over the past year, there have been workplace deaths within the three territories, Rochon said, however he was not able to say how many.

In terms of protection for workers, he said health and safety will be a priority this year when the NEU bargains with the Government of Nunavut, Qulliq Energy Corp., and the City of Iqaluit.

“We’re always trying to make sure health and safety is at the forefront of everything we do,” Rochon said.

In a news release, Human Resources Minister David Akeeagok invited public service employees to observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. Sunday to remember those who suffered workplace tragedy and commit to making workplaces safer.

“We all have a part to play in creating safe and healthy workplaces, and every step we make to prevent injuries and illnesses at work is a step towards a safer future,” Akeeagok said in the release.

According to the Northwest Territories Federation of Labour, which on its website describes itself as an advocate for more than 10,000 worker members in Nunavut and N.W.T., there were “993 accepted workplace fatalities and 348,747 accepted lost time claims” across Canada in 2022, the last year for which full data is available.