Statement on National Day of Mourning

April 28, 2023

QUEEN'S PARK — Ontario Greens leader and MPP for Guelph Mike Schreiner released the following statement in recognition of the National Day of Mourning.

“Today, on the National Day of Mourning, we come together in remembrance of workers who have lost their lives or have been injured on the job.

Every day, millions of Ontarians head off to work, doing their part to keep our economy and our communities running.

It is easy to take for granted the advancements that have been made in workplace safety over the decades. But still every year, too many people are injured, and even killed on the job, leaving their families, friends, and co-workers to wonder what could have been done to protect and save their lives.

Workplaces are rapidly changing, presenting new challenges and new risks to workers and their safety. Government has a responsibility to do everything possible to ensure workplaces are safe – now and in the future.

We have a responsibility to enact and enforce legislation to make our workplaces safe. That includes legislating 10 paid sick days so workers can stay home if they are sick, and providing accessible and affordable mental healthcare for everyone in our province. And injured workers deserve fair financial support.

On behalf of the Ontario Greens, I want to reaffirm our commitment to continually pushing to ensure our workplaces are safe, regardless of the type of work we do – whether full time, part time or temporary.

Too many workers have gotten sick or lost their lives. I offer my sincere condolences to the families, friends and co-workers of those we’ve lost on the job.

Every single Ontarian, no matter their occupation, deserves to return home safe and healthy at the end of the day.”

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