**CITY OF TIMMINS NEWS RELEASE**

The flags at all municipally-owned facilities will be flying at half-mast on Saturday, April 28, in honour and memory of those who have lost their lives or were injured or made ill from their work.

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational health and Safety, “the National Day of Mourning is not only a day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy, but also a day to renew the commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths.”

While these commitments to improve safety should fall into our regular day-to-day activities, the National Day of Mourning comes at a time where workforces are preparing to welcome summer students into sometimes unfamiliar environments. It is a reminder to look at work environments through a different lens, to ensure continued safety and recognize potential hazards.

“Our people are our community’s most valuable asset, and the City of Timmins continues to urge all workplaces to keep the health, safety and wellbeing of employees as their top priority,” said Mayor Steve Black. “At the end of every day, everyone deserves to return home safely.”