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Justice for Nick: National Day of Mourning Calls for Action on Workplace Safety

On April 28, 2025, ARM Chapter 25 was represented at the National Day of Mourning ceremony held at Vincent Massey Park in Ottawa. This solemn event, observed annually across Canada, honours workers who have died, been injured, or suffered illness due to workplace hazards and conditions.

Approximately 100 people gathered for the ceremony, including labour union representatives, grieving family members, and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. The event was organized by the Ottawa & District Labour Council. President Sean McKenny reminded those in attendance that more than 1,000 workers die annually in Canada from workplace incidents, a statistic that has remained stubbornly high in recent years.

Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress, also addressed the crowd, stressing the urgent need for stronger enforcement of workplace health and safety regulations. Rousseau called on governments at all levels to prioritize workers' lives over corporate profits, and emphasized that no worker should ever have to risk their life to earn a living.

A particularly moving tribute came from Ms. Jennifer Chenier, who laid a flower beside a photograph of her son, Nick Chenier. Nick died two years ago when he was electrocuted by a hidden overhead hydro line while working in Ottawa. Ms. Chenier shared that Nick, who had worked for the company for three years and loved his job, had frequently raised concerns about unsafe working conditions that were not taken seriously.

Following an investigation by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, five charges were laid against the company, its owner, and Nick’s supervisor. Significantly, criminal charges were filed against the supervisor — a first for a workplace fatality case in Ottawa and eastern Ontario. Ms. Chenier further shared that a criminal trial, the first of its kind in Canada under these circumstances, is scheduled to begin this September.

“I made a promise to my son that I would do everything I can to increase workplace safety awareness,” Ms. Chenier said. “Employers have to change. They have to start being responsible for their workers.”

Ms. Chenier’s advocacy work in Nick’s memory continues to push for greater accountability and stronger protections for workers, especially young adults entering the workforce. Her courage reminds us all that behind every workplace fatality is a life, a family, and a future that was unjustly taken.

This year’s ceremony was a powerful reminder that the fight for safer workplaces must continue. ARM Chapter 25 stands in solidarity with those who have lost loved ones and with all workers who deserve to return home safely each day.

Les Robinson (ARM Chapter 25)