Workplace accident victims not forgotten

The flag at Iqaluit’s legislature building flew at half mast last Wednesday as the Worker’s Compensation Board recognized a national day of mourning for workers killed on the job in 2003.

Some 50 people gathered in the building at noon to remember four Nunavut workers who were entered into the Book of Mourning. Among them was Iqaluit’s Kevin Dunphy, a delivery driver who died last August when his car veered off Apex Road, rolling several times before stopping. He was 16 years old.

Brent Iootna of Arviat, Iola Ikkidluak of Kimmirut and Robert Marniq of Taloyoak were also remembered.

This was the third year the ceremony has been held in Iqaluit. The WCB declared April 28 a day of mourning in 1984. Since then, 16,452 Canadians have lost their lives on the job.