04/28/2026
This afternoon, Local 771 President Tyler Embree had the honour of speaking at Lily Lake Pavilion as we gathered to mark the National Day of Mourning, a solemn day to honour the workers we have lost and recommit ourselves to protecting the living.
"Brothers, sisters, and members of our community. We gather today on the most solemn day of the labour calendar. Our National Day of Mourning. We are here to mourn the workers who we have lost, and to also fight for the rights of the living.
As Firefighters, we see the toll of this job in many ways.
We not only see the immediate tragedies, but we also face the silent, devastating toll of occupational diseases, the killers like cancer that take our members far from the fire ground, long after the sirens have stopped. Today, we make a solemn pledge: we will not let their sacrifices be in vain.
Their legacy is our fuel. It is the grit and determination we carry to ensure that no other family has to stand where you are standing today.
To the families of the fallen: we know that no speech and no ceremony can fill the void left behind. But I want you to know that your loved ones are still here with us. Every time you feel the sun on your face, every time the wind is at your back, and every night when you look up at the stars in the sky, let those be happy reminders of the people you loved and cherished. They are not just statistics. They are the light and the strength that continue to guide us forward.
To the employers and leaders who prioritize safety above the bottom line: We commend you. You understand that a 'job well done' is only true if every worker walks back through their front door at the end of their shift. Your commitment to providing the right tools, the proper training, and a truly safe environment is noticed, and it is respected.
But let this also serve as a staunch reminder to those who do not put their employees first: We are watching. Whether you are behind a desk in a corporate office or managing a work site in a busy street, know that all working groups here and afar will hold you accountable. In our line of work, we know that safety is not a suggestion, and hope is not a strategy. Safety is a fundamental right that every worker deserves. If you fail to protect your workers, I promise you this, we will be here to demand justice.
May we leave here today not just with heavy hearts, but with a renewed fire in our bellies to protect one another. Let us keep the memory of our loved ones alive and well by refusing to accept the status quo. Let us unite and continue the fight for a safe workplace, so that every single worker in this province gets to go home.
Mourn for the dead and fight like hell for the living.”
We extend our sincere thanks to the Hatheway Trust, Saint John and District Labour Council, and Lily Lake Pavilion for hosting this meaningful event.
