Manitoba Workers Memorial Unveiled during Annual Day of Mourning

Apr 28, 2022

It’s been a journey two decades in the making but for the activists who have dedicated their time and energy to create a memorial wall honouring Manitobans who lost their lives at work, the dream has become a reality.

Today, during the National Day of Mourning event held in Winnipeg’s Memorial Park, the Manitoba Workers Memorial Wall was officially unveiled.

“This has come a long way since we formed what would become the Manitoba Peace Officers Memorial Foundation many years ago,” says William Whyte, the Foundation’s VP and Treasurer, who also works as an MGEU Correctional Officer. “It serves as a permanent reminder of the lives we’ve lost and recognizes and honours these workers who never returned home to their families.”

In 2013, an agreement was reached with the provincial government and three memorial foundations to create the monument, which included a significant donation from the MGEU to create the Peace Officers Memorial and the Workers Memorial.

The resulting Memorial Wall – which is inscribed with the words Remember, Reflect, and Honour – features three large 10,000 pound granite slabs: one dedicated to fallen police and peace officers; one to recognize fallen firefighters; and a third to honour all other Manitoba workers who have died as a result of their employment.

MGEU President, Kyle Ross, who attended today’s unveiling ceremony, said that the new Memorial Park fixture is a fitting way to recognize the loss of our fallen workers, while also reminding all Manitobans about the importance of workplace safety and health efforts that ultimately save lives.

“Last year, 26 Manitobans lost their lives as a result of a workplace illness or injury, which is higher than the last three years,” he said. “They may be gone, but they are never forgotten and the best way we can honour their memories is to continue to make our workplaces as safe as they can be – to protect workers and ensure other families don’t have to go through what these families have endured.”

Fundraising efforts for the Memorial are still ongoing with a 50/50 raffle currently organized (draw date May 6, 2022) to raise further funds for the continued upkeep and maintenance of the wall. Visit the raffle page to learn more and purchase tickets.

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