Photo: Contributed Today is National Mourning Day, which is celebrated every year on April 28 across Canada. Workers, families, employers and others across British Columbia are coming together to remember those who lost their lives at work and to renew their commitment to creating healthy and safe workplaces. More than a dozen ceremonies will be held across the county, including Kelowna, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Kelowna event will take place at Ben Lee Park in Rutland at noon. The mother of Cailen Vilness, one of five people killed in a tragic crane crash on Bernard Ave, will speak at today’s event in Kelowna. last year. Danielle Pritchett will talk about her son and occupational safety when it comes to young people. Vilness was one of four young construction workers killed on July 12, 2021, when a crane collapsed while descending. The crane arm hit another building, next to the multi-storey building, killing another man working in the building. In addition to Vilness, Jared Zook and brothers Patrick and Eric Stemmer died while working on the spot, while a fifth victim, Brad Zawislak, was crushed and killed when a crane struck the adjacent building. In addition to Pritchett, there are a number of speakers from WorkSafe BC, the city of Kelowna and the North Okanagan Labor Council who will speak in honor of those who lost their lives at work. Castanet will cover the event live.
