Nearly two decades later and Amy Klassen remains forever-changed from a workplace accident.

Klassen, a constituency assistant for Vernon-Lumby MLA Harwinder Sandhu, was working up north in 2007 when, following a workplace incident, she suffered three broken vertebrae in her neck.

Her recovery, she said, was "long, painful, life-altering." The truth is, she added, after a severe injury "you never fully recover. It affects all aspects of your life, both physical and mental. It changes you forever."

Klassen was lucky. She got to go home. 

Klassen shared her personal story as the first of six speakers at the City of Vernon's National Day of Mourning ceremony outside city hall Monday, April 28, attended by close to 80 people.

"I believe with conviction every workplace accident is preventable," said Klassen, speaking for Sandhu. "I have a strong commitment to make workplaces safer."

The National Day of Mourning originated in 1984, when it was first recognized by the Canadian Labour Congress. In 1990, the day became a national observance with the passing of the Workers Mourning Day Act, and on April 28, 1991, the federal government officially proclaimed the National Day of Mourning.

Canada was the first nation to recognize the Day of Mourning and it is now observed around the world.

Before joining WorkSafe BC as a prevention officer Justin Comeau was an apprentice. He lost a good friend to a workplace incident. That's one of the reasons he became a prevention officer, and the memory of his friend drives his commitment to workplace safety.

"In my career, I have seen the devastating consequences of workplace injury, illness, and disease where many lives were changed forever," Comeau said during the 45-minute ceremony. "And I've seen that many of the incidents could have been prevented."

According to WorkSafeBC, 146 workers in B.C. died from a workplace injury or disease in 2024, including two deaths in the North Okanagan. 

There were 68 fatalities due to traumatic injury and 78 fatalities due to occupational disease.

The City of Vernon has more than 600 employees working in what Mayor Victor Cumming calls "a whole mix of environments."

The National Day of Mourning reminds the mayor every year of a childhood friend he lost to being killed on the job.

鈥淓very worker deserves to return home safely at the end of the day,鈥� said Cumming. 鈥淭he City of Vernon takes this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to providing safe, healthy, and respectful workplaces for all employees, contractors, and emergency responders. Workplace safety is a shared responsibility, and it remains a priority in everything we do.

"To all city staff and those who work alongside us, thank you for the care you bring to your work and for the role you play in keeping each other and our community safe.鈥�

The city reminds residents of the ongoing risks faced by roadside and construction workers.

"With multiple infrastructure projects underway throughout Vernon, community members are urged to stay alert, follow posted signage, and drive with caution in work zones," the city said in a release.

Also speaking at the ceremony Monday were CUPE Local 626 representative Sheri Bialecki; retiring Vernon Fire Rescue Services Capt. Allyson Reich, and Vernon North Okanagan RCMP Insp. Neil Kennedy.

The ceremony, emceed by City of Vernon employee Jennie Small, concluded with a moment of silence.