CFB Shilo took a moment of silence on April 26 to remember the more than 20 Shilo-associated lives lost in workplace incidents for the national Day of Mourning. Photo: Supplied/Threads

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media

More than 20 lives lost and associated with Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Shilo were recognized by the Command Team and others with a moment of silence for the National Day of Mourning on April 26.

The National Day of Mourning is held annually on April 28; however, since it falls on a Sunday, CFB Shilo recognized it on Friday. The day is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job or in a work-related tragedy.

CFB Shilo Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) David Cronk said as a Base, one may think that Shilo has not lost anyone locally to workplace injury or illness, but unfortunately, that is not the case.

Since 2020, 23 CFB Shilo-associated lives have been lost in accidents or workplace incidents.

“When we use the term “workers,” we are not only referring to civilian employees but also to Canadian Armed Forces soldiers, both in Canada and abroad,” he said.

LCol Cronk explained that 20 deployed soldiers from CFB Shilo died in the line of duty during the 14-year involvement in Afghanistan, adding that during the construction of the 2PPCLI facility, a construction worker was killed by a 14,000-pound concrete panel on Sept. 10, 2003.

“On 25 July 2015, a Reservist from the Rocky Mountain Rangers died while digging a trench during training in the RTA,” LCol Cronk said.

“On 24 July 2020, a roofing contractor who was working on the roof of a home here in Shilo died of a heat-related injury when he left a roof and wandered away to be later found laying under a tree in an adjacent RHU yard site.”

Canada was the first country to commemorate this day, and the recognition has now spread to observance in more than 80 countries around the world, the Base Commander said.

“This is also a day to renew our commitment to improving workplace health and safety by taking action to prevent further injuries, illnesses, workplace violence and deaths.”

In commemoration of the day, the Canadian flag will fly at half-mast on Parliament Hill and on all federal government buildings. 

Employers and workers are encouraged to observe and participate in the National Day of Mourning Memorial in various ways. Gestures such as lighting candles, laying wreaths, and wearing commemorative pins, ribbons, or black armbands are means through which your support can be expressed on the special day.