Elliot Lake residents recognize National Day of Mourning

Yesterday was the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job. Day of Mourning events were held across the province. In Elliot Lake residents and family members gathered at the Miners Memorial to remember those who were killed or died because of a job related illness. With deep sympathy and regret Mayor Rick Hamilton announced two names that will be added to the Miners Memorial Wall this year. Ironically it was Elliot Lake Miners who are responsible for the creation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the provincial law governing health and safety in the workplace. In 1974 one thousand Miners went on strike at Denison Mines. Hundreds at both Denison and Rio Algom were dying of respiratory diseases and being killed or injured by rock falls. cave inns or ground burns. The strike resulted in the creation of the Occupational  Health and Safety Act in 1979.