June 8, 2012

We live in an exceptional community.  When tragedy struck on June 8^th, 2011 at Stobie Mine, many members rallied around our families and offered support in a multitude of ways.

Over the course of the past week, we have read about the charges that have been laid by the Ministry of Labour. Personal feelings aside, we agree with Vale’s response that it is a matter for the courts to decide.

The outcome of these charges is beyond our control.  However, there is still a monumental issue that is within our control, one that the public needs to insist upon; an inquiry into the state of mining in Ontario.

This past year has been filled with heartaches, not only for members of our own community here in Sudbury, but also for mining families across Ontario.

These tragedies are compounded by the burden of loved ones asking themselves, could these horrific circumstances have been avoided?

We still have many men and women who work in the industry, whom are uncertain of whether or not all is being done to ensure they return home safely to their families after each shift.

An inquiry into the state of mining in Ontario will point out whether or not all reasonable measures to safeguard against workplace accidents and illness are present.

If they are, we can all breathe a little easier. However, if they are not, we cannot continue to turn a blind-eye and allow other men and women to suffer life altering illnesses, disabilities or even death simply for doing their jobs.

We are asking that we all pull together as a community once again to prevent another parent from burying their son, a wife…her spouse or children…their father.

We must make our collective voices heard to prevent another voice from being silenced.

Sincerely,

The Chenier and Fram families

Please fill out a postcard supporting an inquiry into the state of mining in Ontario.  These postcards are available at Lougheed Flowers on Regent St, the USW Hall on Brady Street or you can write to The Honourable Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Labour, 14^th Floor, 400 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M7A 1T7.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 8th, 2012 at 1:47 pm and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.