NDP Statement on National Day of Mourning

Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada’s NDP, issued the following statement:

“Today, some Canadians will leave for work and not return home. Many more will suffer injuries or be exposed to toxic chemicals in their place of work.

The lives of these workers and their families are forever changed by workplace accidents, injuries, violence, and death.

And this year, our gatherings to mark the National Day of Mourning look a little different. Another way that the COVID-19 crisis has changed the way we live and work.

Though we can’t gather in person this year, the enduring message of Day of Mourning – to mourn for the dead and fight for the living – is even more meaningful.

While we honour those who have lost their lives and have been injured at work – we also salute those who are working on the frontlines of the pandemic.

Right now, millions of essential workers across the country are risking their health to go to their jobs hoping that others are taking all the right precautions.

We have a responsibility to do more for our workers.

As millions of people make their way to work every day, they have a right to know they will be safe.

New Democrats are on their side. That’s why we will continue to fight to ensure workplace conditions are safe and that laws protecting workers from accidents, illness, and death are enforced - now more than ever.”