Bruce Power honours fallen and injured workers on Day of Mourning

Bruce Power, its unions and contractors, gathered Thursday (April 27) to honour fallen and injured workers, marking the annual Day of Mourning.

Representatives of Bruce Power, Saugeen Ojibway Nation, the Grey Bruce Labour Council, the Power Workers’ Union, the Society of Energy Professionals, the Building Trades, and Ontario Power Generation, spoke of the importance of honouring those workers who die, are injured or become ill on the job, as well as the need to maintain our focus on safety and training to prevent further victims.

“It is important we recognize the Day of Mourning on our site,” said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power’s president and chief executive officer. “Every day, our goal is to send each and every employee home to their families as healthy – or healthier – than they arrived. This takes intense focus and commitment to our Number 1 value of Safety First.”

Although observed nationally on April 28, the on-site ceremony was held Thursday to match the schedules of union employees. Of the 11 workers who died during construction of the Bruce site, 10 were part of the construction trades.

“A memorial cairn outside the Bruce Power corporate services building, honours these fallen workers every day, while also serving as a constant reminder of the importance of living the principles of Safety First,” said Rencheck.



Taking part in the Day of Mourning, Thursday, at Bruce Power, are John Bernard Keeshig, councillor, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation (left); Steve Truant, health and safety staff officer, Power Workers' Union; Mike Gade, vice-president, the Society of Energy Professionals; Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power president and chief executive officer; Avery Fitzgerald and Victoria Weber, young workers who spoke on behalf of the Grey Bruce Labour Council; Darren Howe, director, Western Waste Management Facility Operations, Ontario Power Generation; and Anthony Chegahno, elder, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation; photo courtesy of Bruce Power