Every April 28 is a National Day of Mourning in Canada.

This morning in Queens Park in Owen Sound, members of our community gathered to remember and honour those who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace. Hundreds die and thousands are damaged every year in just doing their job.

Jeff Cronin spoke on behalf of the Grey Bruce Labour Council.

"The theme for April 28 is "Mourn for the dead. Fight for the Living". Today I want you to focus on the "fight for the living" aspect of Day of Mourning. I want everyone to recognize that violence and harassment are work place hazards that must not be treated as an inevitable component of work, I say to you that Violence and harassment are not part of the job...."

"I want to read you the following quote from Hassan Yussuff President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

"We expect to be safe at work.

In fact, employers have an obligation to ensure we are able to work without fear or worry for our physical and mental integrity.

But the reality is that far too many workers face violence and harassment on the job. Will you join us in calling on the federal government to do more to protect workers?

On April 28, this National Day of Mourning, we want to break the silence around workplace violence and harassment. For too many workers it's a reality that's often downplayed, and one that can and does lead to injury and death.

Unions, employers and the federal government have worked together to create strong violence prevention regulations. But we need the federal government to do more. Here's what we're asking for:

First, to make it safe for workers to report harassment and violence by implementing anti-reprisal measures, including whistleblower protection;

Second, to ensure federal health and safety officers can be as effective as possible by hiring more officers and ensuring they receive the robust training they need;

And finally, to recognize domestic violence as a workplace hazard. This will raise awareness around the need for employers to conduct workplace risk assessments, training and safety planning, and to ensure supports are in place for workers experiencing domestic violence.

We can and must to do better for all workers."