MOPC Warden Robert Parker's message for the Day of Mourning

Our family members, friends and neighbours go off to work every day with a full expectation that they will return home safely after work.
Unfortunately, that does not always happen. Whether in large industries, small companies, municipalities or self-employed, our County has experienced the tragedy of loss at all of these. 

The loss of 26 miners at the Westray Mine in Plymouth all in a single day, on May 9, 1992, approaches its 30^th anniversary and is still a very difficult day for families and friends.  

My uncle and former Warden KY Parker was lost in a farm accident while he was still in office in 1986. We have lost numerous good people in working accidents in the forestry and fishing industries over the years.

Most workplace accidents are preventable, and a lot of good work continues to take place to improve safety practices.  Much more needs to be done and we all, including municipalities, need to stress safety in the workplace each day. 

Often, we know the right things to do, but being overtired, rushed, or not having the right equipment or leadership can lead to tragedy.  My thoughts are with Skyler Blackie’s family, which has connections here in Pictou County.   Mr. Blackie lost his life in March 2019 while training at a fire school to be a better firefighter.    

Let us all commit ourselves to promoting safety in the workplace every day and not be too timid to speak up if we see something that is clearly unsafe.  Let’s make sure every worker returns home to their loving family and friends.