'Day of Mourning'

The following letter, to Mayor Marolyn Morrison, was submitted to the Citizen.

Thanks to your responsive leadership, the Town of Caledon in 2005 and 2006 joined with many other municipalities and civicminded organizations in proclaiming April 28 as a Day of Mourning, in remembrance of the many workers and managers who have suffered work-related occupational illnesses, diseases, injuries and deaths.

A CTV News report of Dec. 12 put the number of work-related deaths in 2005 in Canada at roughly 1,100. Often such statistics do not include worker deaths due to occupational diseases, many of which develop over a long period of time from workrelated conditions. Many such work-related deaths go unreported.

As a member of the Bolton community for more than 31 years, I would again request the Town of Caledon mark this day as we have in the past by lowering flags to halfstaff at all Town facilities and by publishing a news release to encourage the members of the Caledon community to reflect on the importance of safe workplaces.

I'm aware the Town has developed a proactive policy on workplace health and safety, something that is to be commended. I'm also aware that last year in Caledon East, you marked this important day by addressing Town employees on the importance of workplace health and safety and their needs to be vigilant in work-related activities. Thanks again for your past leadership on this matter

Joe Grogan membership to a key meeting recently.

You suggest that part of what is needed is "an effort on every resident's part." Right on! I could not agree more! In fact, a collaboration of resident groups called the Bolton Community Action Committee has made some modest progress in downtown improvements, most recently with the walkway underpass under Highway #50 and parkette development on the Humber River in downtown Bolton. And the BIA has been part of that collaboration which convinced the Town, Peel Region and the conservation authority that funding was a great idea for these improvements.

Now it is time for us residents to take our involvement one step further. We local residents who patronize downtown Bolton business could begin to ask the operators and owners of those business establishments what part they are playing in boosting the attraction of downtown Bolton.

For sure, as you say, "teamwork, co-operation and a general concern for our neighbours is all it takes to make progress."

Bill Wilson, Chair, Bolton Community Action Committee