Workers killed on the job in Ottawa remembered on the National Day of Mourning
Canadians across the country paused on Sunday to remember workers who have been injured or killed on the job for the National Day of Mourning.
In Ottawa, there have been several devastating workplace fatalities in recent years.
That includes the horrific Eastway Tank explosion, which killed six workers and injured a seventh person, to the case of Nick Chenier, who was electrocuted on the job last year. The case is now before the courts.
"If there is a good side to grief, I have not yet reached it," said Jennifer Chenier, who was a keynote speaker at the event. "Time is not helping and some days I feel as if the pain deepens. The road ahead seems longer without you walking with us. I am resistant to joy."
As she continues to work through her grief, Chenier speaks of her son Nick, who was killed on the job in May 2023.
"I’m afraid that healing means forgetting and I’m not ready," she said.
Chenier’s sudden death has left behind unmeasurable pain and suffering for his family. Chenier was trimming hedges in Manotick when he was electrocuted after hitting an overhead hydro line that was buried within a hedge.
"I will stand by my promise to him that I will make sure that justice is done and that this will be preventable to other families and communities," she said.
On the National Day of Mourning, dozens gathered at Vincent Massey Park for an event held by the Ottawa and District Labour Council.
"To employers, we say there's a Health and Safety Act, there are regulations that go with the Health and Safety Act, and to allow those workers to work in a health and safety environment," said Sean McKenny, president of the Ottawa and District Labour Council.
Ottawa has witnessed several workplace fatalities, including six people who were killed on the job in the Eastway Tank explosion in January 2022.
"This is a really important day of remembrance," said Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Labour. “It is a very important day to remember that challenge that we have to get better at occupational health and safety for every worker in the country."
Nick Chenier, 20, died during a workplace accident in Manotick on Friday, May 5, 2023. (Supplied)
The Ottawa and District Labour Council says Chenier’s death is the first time that a criminal negligence causing death charge has been laid against an employer or supervisor of a company.
Ottawa police charged 38-year-old Steven Deans, a manager with Best Green Hedges, with criminal negligence causing death on Wednesday. The Ministry of Labour has also laid five charges against the company and its owner. On Thursday, the owner pleaded guilty to a charge of failing, as director, to take all reasonable care to ensure the corporation complied with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations. A judge imposed a total of $56,000 in fines.
For Chenier’s mother, it won’t bring back Nick, but his thoughtful demeanour lives on.
"He was an amazing young man. He had the most amazing sense of humour. He could take any moment and make you laugh," said Chenier.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Blockade briefly stops Pride Parade in downtown Winnipeg
A group of protesters briefly blocked the Winnipeg Pride Parade on Sunday.
Do this once a month and extend your life by up to 10 years. No gym required
Research shows that art experiences, whether as a maker or a beholder, transform our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones and endorphins.
Ryan Reynolds has declared 'War of the Popcorn Buckets.' He's honestly onto something
Ryan Reynolds this week unveiled arguably the most anticipated and sure-to-be coveted merchandise tied to his upcoming 'Deadpool' sequel: the movie’s novelty popcorn bucket.
Trump says he's 'OK' with serving potential jail time or house arrest after historic conviction
Former U.S. president Donald Trump said he is 'OK' with serving potential jail time or being under house arrest following his historic conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
Ontario gave parents more than $1B in cash over 2 years. Here's where the money went
During the pandemic, the Ontario government started to hand out cash to parents to help offset the cost of at-home learning while schools were shuttered.
'There could have been an explosion,' 8 people, including 4 children injured in St. Constant, Que.
Eight people, including four children, have second- or third-degree burns as a result of an incident at a home in Saint-Constant, Que. south of Montreal, the Coopérative des techniciens ambulanciers de la Montérégie (CETAM) reported on Saturday.
Israel seeks a 'governing alternative' to Hamas in Gaza. It's been tried and failed before
Israel is looking into an alternative local governing body for Gaza, the defense minister said Sunday, proposing a future beyond Hamas but giving no idea who those challengers might be.
Rupert Murdoch, 93, gets married for fifth time in private ceremony
Media magnate Rupert Murdoch, 93, has married for the fifth time, his corporation, News Corp, confirmed Sunday.