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
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Thousands are expected to rally on Washington's National Mall in support of Palestinian rights
Thousands of protesters are expected to turn out for a rally in the American capital Saturday in support of Palestinian rights and an immediate end to Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Hundreds walk backwards in downtown Montreal to symbolize the decline of LGBTQ2S+ rights
On Friday, hundreds gathered and walked backwards in the heart of Montreal to honour the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Jesus is their saviour, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
Video appears to show Sean 'Diddy' Combs beating singer Cassie in hotel hallway in 2016
Security video aired by CNN appears to show Sean 'Diddy' Combs physically assaulting singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.