Mr. Speaker, the Canadian flag flies at half-mast on Parliament Hill today as we observe a day of mourning for workers killed or injured in the workplace.
According to the Canadian Labour Congress, nearly 1,000 workers die each year because of their workplaces. Another million are injured or acquire an occupational illness.
On this day of mourning I would like to pay tribute to all those who attempt to build safer and healthier workplaces. In my riding of Sault St. Marie, employers and employees of many companies have recognized that by working together in the spirit of co-operation and mutual responsibility they can help to prevent workplace injury and deaths and that they can together make healthier workplaces.
As we enter a new millennium let us renew our commitment to the safety and health of Canadian workers.