The Building Trades of Alberta (BTA) pauses to observe the National Day of Mourning for workers killed, injured, or made ill on the job. The BTA stood with Building Trades Councils across the country at Canada’s Building Trades Monument to gather in silence and remembrance for the brothers and sisters of the trades who never made it home.

BTA Executive Director, Terry Parker, reported on the 144 people in Alberta who lost their lives in 2025 to workplace deaths. William McLeod, Director of National Development for the Millwrights Regional Council, shared the story of Local 1460 sister, Sarah Timmons.

“Sarah was doing what all of us do. Showing up. Doing her job. Being part of the crew,” McLeod said. “An unexpected release of steam. No warning. No time. System locked out, had active permits issued.”

William shared how the life of sister Timmons was saved by Brother Dan Fortune of UA Local 488, who “acted without hesitation. He pulled her to safety. He made the difference.”

Incidents like these remind us why we in Alberta’s Building Trades Unions continue to push for the highest safety standards through advocacy with our partners in industry and government. Recently, we saw governments across Canada unite to harmonize safety training standards. These efforts, combined with the BTA’s previous partnerships with the Government of Alberta on wellness and resilience programs, help build a culture where safety comes first while growing our economy.

This solemn day reminds us all that every worker has the fundamental right to return home safely to their family at the end of every shift. Let this Day of Mourning strengthen our shared resolve to eliminate workplace fatalities and injuries through training, collaboration and vigilance.