WINNIPEG - April 28, 2008 – With flags at half mast today, the City of Winnipeg commemorated the 58 civic workers who have died of work-related causes since 1978, and those injured in the workplace.

“Today is a day to remind all citizens of the importance of health and safety in the workplace. We honour the City of Winnipeg employees who have lost their lives while serving this City and our citizens,” said Mayor Sam Katz.

“Today we remember and look ahead,” said Glen Laubenstein, Chief Administrative Officer. “Today we are committing ourselves to not only appreciate, but wherever possible, anticipate and avert the hazards our workers face.”

In attendance were: Hon. Nancy Allan, Minister of Labour and Immigration; His Worship Sam Katz, Mayor of the City of Winnipeg; Glen Laubenstein, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Winnipeg; Luella Lee, Director of Internal Services, City of Winnipeg; Mike Davidson, President, Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 500; and Alex Forrest, President, United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg.

In addition to the City Hall ceremony, worksite ceremonies are also being held at City facilities at 1155 / 1199 Pacific Avenue, 1220 Pacific Avenue, 598 Plinquet Street, and at the Millennium Library, Main Floor.

The Workers’ National Day of Mourning takes place across Canada on April 28th every year. It was proclaimed by Canada’s Parliament in 1991 and is now recognized in more than 90 countries.