VICTORIA – The provincial legislature has adopted New Democrat labour critic Harry Bains’ recommendation to formally mark the annual Day of Mourning to honour British Columbians who have lost their lives on the worksite.

“Earlier this week, I approached both Speaker Linda Reid and the government and Opposition house leaders about having the B.C. legislature take part in the annual Day of Mourning, held April 28th. Specifically, I recommended that legislators from all parties observe this day of remembrance with a moment of silence in the chambers, and by agreeing to fly the provincial flag on the legislature grounds at half mast,” said Bains.

Bains made the request in a formal letter earlier this week.

Currently the day of mourning, also called the worker’s memorial, is observed in more than 80 countries around the world. In British Columbia, on average, 140 workers a year die.