New Democrat Statement on the accident at Stobie Mine

OTTAWA – New Democrats today expressed deep sorrow at the news that two miners lost their lives in an accident at the Stobie Mine in Sudbury, ON.

“I was terribly saddened this morning to hear of the accident at Stobie Mine that resulted in the death of two mine workers,” said NDP Leader Jack Layton. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of the danger mine workers, and many industrial workers, put themselves in every day. We can only hope that the investigation into this accident makes other workers safer in the future.”

Reports suggest the two miners, members of United Steel Workers (USW) Local 6500 were overcome with muck, the unprocessed underground product containing rocks and ore.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and co-workers of those two miners as they try to cope with this loss,” said Claude Gravelle (Nickel Belt), also a member of USW Local 6500. “Given the risks of this work, close bonds often develop among co-workers who quickly become an extension of our family. Losing a co-worker is utterly devastating.”

“It’s hard to describe the impact these deaths will have on all of us,” said Glenn Thibeault (Sudbury). “Mining is an integral part of our community. Any loss of life, let alone two workers in the same tragic incident, affects the whole community. I extend my deepest sympathy to their families, friends and co-workers.”

Each year over 950 Canadians lose their lives in workplace accidents. This loss is marked in somber ceremonies held on April 28, the National Day of Mourning, a day formally marked by the federal government starting in 1991, with passage of an NDP motion.