April 28, 2025

Ladies and Gentlemen, dear guests, and fellow citizens,  
Today, we come together to observe the International Day of Mourning – a solemn occasion that honours the memory of those who have lost their lives in work-related accidents or due to occupational diseases. 
This day is a reminder of the human cost of work. 
A day for reflection. For empathy. For remembrance. 

In 2023, British Columbia reported 175 work-related fatalities.
To put into perspective, there are 122 students in my daughters’ elementary school.
That’s 175 people that didn’t come home at the end of their workday.
That’s 175 preventable tragedies that affect 175 families and communities. 

Today is about remembrance that leads to action. It’s about channelling our grief into a commitment to prevent further loss, to improve workplace conditions, and to hold accountable those responsible for safeguarding the health and safety of workers. 

It’s time to prioritize people over profits.
To demand higher safety standards, comprehensive training for every worker, and the enforcement of strong government regulations.
Companies must be held accountable – not just in words, but in action.
Every life matters, and it’s our collective duty to ensure safe workplaces, responsible leadership, and a future where preventable tragedies are a thing of the past. 

Let’s raise our voices. Let’s raise the bar. Let’s educate.
And let’s make safety non-negotiable- for everyone.
Because every worker deserves to come home at the end of the day.

In solidarity, 

Krista Napl
President, 
East Kootenay District Labour Council