Mr. Speaker, April 28 is designated as a day of compassion in memory of workers who have been injured, killed or disabled as a result of a workplace accident, or are suffering from an occupational illness.
In Canada, in 1998 alone, approximately 800 persons died as a result of a workplace accident or an occupational illness, and almost 900,000 suffered injuries.
Beyond the direct and indirect costs, estimated to be around $10 billion annually, each life that is lost and every injury that is sustained represents a story of human suffering for the victims and those who are close to them.
We must work, individually and collectively, to fight the causes of this problem, and its effects. As elected officials, we must move beyond awareness and translate our awareness into improved legislation for workers.
The Bloc Quebecois will continue to make this issue a priority.