(WINNIPEG) Manitoba will soon have a permanent monument to honour the memory of workers who have died on the job, announced Manitoba Federation of Labour President Kevin Rebeck at an official groundbreaking in Memorial Park today.  

“Today we break ground to have a monument for the families, co-workers and friends of workers who lost their lives on the job to remember those they have lost, and to serve as a reminder of the importance of making our workplaces safer in this province,” said Rebeck. 

The memorial will depict a candle flame on the front to promote reflection and remembrance, signifying that the memories of loved ones live on and shine bright. The back of the memorial will show an image of a loved one in mourning, with friends and family in support. 

It will also feature labour’s phrase “Mourn the Dead, Fight for the Living,” a commitment to continue to push for stronger health and safety laws, as well as investments in prevention and educating our youth, workers, and employers, so we can identify and eliminate hazards. Everyone who goes to work has the right to come home safe and whole every day.

“No family should have to go through the pain of a loved one not coming home safely from work,” said Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen. “We are proud to support this important memorial and ensure Manitoba has strong workplace safety and health protections to keep workers safe and secure on the jobsite.”

President Rebeck added that the vision for the memorial has been a long time coming, and would not have been possible without the financial support and leadership of the labour movement, the Province of Manitoba and without the support of the families of fallen workers. 

Construction on the Workers Memorial, as well as memorials for Firefighters and Peace Officers, is expected to begin this year.