CKPG File Image (April 25, 2012)

By Caden Fanshaw

Day of Mourning

Locals look back 10 years ago, lost loved ones on Day of Mourning

Apr 28, 2022 | 5:21 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The National Day of Mourning on April 28 was not only a day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy, but also a chance to look back on this week in Prince George 10 years ago.

Thursday marked just over 10 years since the explosion at Lakeland Mills sawmill in Prince George that claimed the lives of two workers while injuring over 20 more on April 25, 2012.

This year also marks 10 years since the explosion at the Babine Forest Products sawmill in Burns Lake exploded back in January 2012.

Spruce Kings Show Home

Local residents win 2024's Spruce Kings Show Home

14h ago

CNC Board approves balanced budget

15h ago

Crime

Prince George RCMP confirm identity of human remains found at Bowron River rest area

16h ago

“I remember quite clearly that night when I got a phone call about the mill explosion in Burns Lake,” said Brian O’Rourke, President of the United Steelworkers Local 1-2017. ” To try and fathom a sawmill blowing up, it was beyond belief really and for all the people that were injured along the way it’s devastating and everybody thought it was a one-off.

Locals marked the day of mourning with a ceremony held at the worker’s memorial off Queensway Avenue in Prince George. Several members of the community shared stories of loved ones being involved in workplace accidents, while remembering those who never made it home.

The most recent statistics from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) tell us that in 2019, 925 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada. 882 were male workers, and 43 were female workers. Among these deaths were 29 young workers aged 15-24.

The day of mourning also serves as an opportunity to collectively renew a commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths.