Statement by Official Opposition Leader Tom Mulcair on the National Day of Mourning April 28, 2013

Every day, five Canadians will die in workplace-related accidents.

In 1991 the House of Commons adopted a New Democrat bill establishing April 28 as the National Day of Mourning. Canadians join people in 80 countries to honour the men and women who have been injured, killed, or suffered illness while on the job.

Over the last two decades, the number of on the job deaths has been rising. Youth and new or inexperienced workers face the highest risk.

Let this be the year that we finally see statistics begin to improve, with stronger labour and safety standards to prevent additional death.

As we pause to remember those who lost their lives, let us pledge to work together to protect the living.