A solemn anniversary is being observed in Nova Scotia on Wednesday.
On June 11th, 1925, coal miner William Davis was killed during a labour strike in Cape Breton while standing up for workers’ rights.
The Department of Labour, Skills and Labour says Davis Day is marked each year to honour his memory and recognize all those who have lost their lives working in our province’s mines.
In a statement, Minister Nolan Young says, “It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made and the progress achieved in creating safer, fairer workplaces.”
“William Davis’s death became a turning point in the labour movement. His courage, and the solidarity shown by his community, helped pave the way for lasting change in how workers are treated and protected.”
Young says, “As Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration – and as someone who lost my own father in a mining accident – I carry a deep personal understanding of what this day means to families and communities. The grief, the strength and the determination to do better are part of our province’s story.”
“Our government continues to honour that legacy by investing in workplace safety – through stronger education, enforcement and modernized health and safety regulations. Every worker deserves to come home safe at the end of the day.”
“On this 100th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of workers across Nova Scotia.”
