Memorial to Fallen Workers (April 28, 2011)
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Mr. MacDonald: Thank you. Today on this National Day of Mourning I would like the Premier to please commit to building a permanent, visible monument that can be seen from this Legislative Assembly so that all members of this House are reminded each and every day of the year of what happens when our occupational health and safety laws are not enforced.
To the Premier: will the Premier please commit today to building this monument in memory of all the workers whose lives have been lost as a result of a workplace accident in this province?
Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, as you know, we can only advise the Speaker of this Assembly and, of course, the minister that’s responsible for the Legislature Grounds. There have been a number of recommendations or requests that have come forward for statues. The Speaker and the minister are responsible for reviewing them all.
This is a very good idea. It is one that will remind us of the many tragic events. The minister may want to give further detail.
The Deputy Speaker: The hon. member.
Mr. MacDonald: Yes. Mr. Speaker, this time to the Minister of Infrastructure: given that there are 27 monuments already located, or sited, in various places on the Legislature Grounds and there’s a very small plaque just to the south of us to honour workers, that was installed in 1991, can we now have a permanent memorial to those who have unfortunately lost their lives on a job site in this province?
The Deputy Speaker: The hon. minister.
Mr. Danyluk: Well, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As the Premier has said and as we had the minister’s statement today and also members of the opposition, it is very tragic, the individuals that we lose. I would be very happy to meet with the hon. member to discuss this further.
The Deputy Speaker: The hon. member.
Mr. MacDonald: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again to the same minister: given that this was a request that was made over 10 years ago, is it possible, please, to get a commitment from this government so that we can permanently remember those who have unfortunately lost their lives on a job site in this province? It’s the least we can do for the families.
Mr. Danyluk: Well, Mr. Speaker, again, I have offered to meet with the hon. member. I will also defer to the hon. minister.
Mr. Lukaszuk: Mr. Speaker, not only is this a good idea; it’s an idea that already has been discussed. My office has actually been approached by individuals from organized labour who also share that desire. I am more than willing to discuss that idea and share it, obviously, with the Speaker, the Premier, and the Minister of Infrastructure. Frankly, because I know you have been such a big advocate for occupational health and safety, perhaps members of the opposition would care to be involved in creating – it’s quite a creative process, but I think it would be very becoming to commemorate those who have built this province for the last 100 and some years.
Alberta Hansard, April 28, 2011