Kendrie Upton
As the DGC BC's Executive Director, Kendrie Upton represents the organization in all facets of the industry. She's responsible for ensuring that Executive Board policies are implemented and that Members' needs are met. She has been very involved with the respectful workplace efforts that the Guild has engaged in both at the local and national levels. She currently co-chairs the cross industry Education, Training and Awareness Committee, sits on the Executive of MPPIA and serves as the co-chair of the MPPIA Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
National Day of Mourning - Saturday, April 28, 2018
National day of Mourning is a day set aside each year to remember those who have been killed, seriously injured or made ill as a result of their employment in Canada. In 1984, unions in Sudbury, Ontario, adopted the day as one to publicly acknowledge victims of significant workplace incidents and the Canadian Labour Congress officially declared the day of remembrance which is now recognized internationally. The date of April 28 was chosen to reflect the anniversary of the day Ontario passed the Workers' Compensation Act in 1914.
On April 28, 1991, Canada recognized its first National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace: a day where flags fly at half-mast, and we hold ceremonies across the country to recognize the lives needlessly lost, and the tremendous suffering of those left in the wake of workplace tragedy. In the years since, more than 100 other countries have also adopted the observance known widely as Workers' Memorial Day.
The Canadian Labour Congress has imbued this year's Day of Mourning with a specific focus on preventing violence and harassment in workplaces.
From the CLC website:
Violence and harassment are a daily reality for far too many workers in Canada. Both are preventable, and neither should ever be seen as "just part of the job". That's why this Day of Mourning, Canada's unions are asking our government to do more to prevent and stop workplace violence and harassment.
Here's a link to the Canadian Labour Congress petition for those who wish to add their voice to the call. http://action.canadianlabour.ca/dom
On April 28, join one of the hundreds of ceremonies across the country, or light your own candle in honour and reflection of the thousands of lives forever changed, and to renew your commitment to workplace health and safety. The Vancouver event is at Jack Poole Plaza at 11:45 AM. Or click here to find an event near you.
Wherever you are on April 28, please take a moment to remember those we have lost to fatal workplace accidents in our own industry here in BC. May their names serve as a reminder to each of us to put safety first and to be kind to one another.
Joi "SJ" Harris 1976 - 2017
Amrik Singh Gill 1955 - 2014
Marc Akerstream 1954 - 1998
Barry Crowhurst 1960- 1998
Keith Perepelkin 1964 - 1996
My very best to you all.
Kendrie Upton
Executive Director