Northern Ont. MPP looks to make Injured Workers Day official

There was a strong show of support in Greater Sudbury last week for an NDP-led bill calling on the province to officially recognize June 1 as Injured Workers Day in Ontario.

Injured workers and their families shared their stories at the SteelWorker’s Union Hall on Brady Street in support of Private Member’s Bill 118, put forth by Sudbury MPP Jamie West. (CTV News Northern Ontario)

Injured workers and their families shared their stories at the SteelWorker’s Union Hall on Brady Street in support of Private Member’s Bill 118, put forth by Sudbury MPP Jamie West.

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West said the formal proclamation of Injured Workers Day would give injured workers the support and recognition they deserve.

“That's really what came across to me when I was asked to present this bill to be officially recognized,” he said.

“It's the right thing to do, it's a small thing to do, but it’s so important to these injured workers and their friends and their families.”

The first Injured Workers’ Day was held on June 1, 1983, following a workers’ rally at Queen’s Park – and even though it was started at the legislature it has never been officially recognized by the province.

West said he was asked by various workers' groups to have the day formally recognized.

“After you get 70, you get pushed on the back burner, so you don’t know where to go for help,” said  Marcel Mayhew, an injured worker in attendance at West’s event.

“So now this here helps us get somewhere, so this is why I like to join places like this.”

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Official or not rallies are held across Ontario on June 1 each year in support of those who have died or been injured on the job.