DAY OF MOURNING REMEMBERS 27 LIVES LOST TO WORKPLACE ILLNESS AND INJURIES
April 28th was a somber day of reflection, remembrance and commitment to action as we commemorated the National Day of Remembrance. Please see my video on the Government of Saskatchewan facebook page
Every year on April 28, Canada marks the National Day of Mourning. Provincially, flags at all government buildings are lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset.
In 2025, 27 workplace fatality claims were accepted by the Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board.
"Today we remember the workers who lost their lives, were injured, or became ill because of workplace injury or illness," Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "To protect workers, safety must be the top priority because every worker deserves to return home safely."
"Behind every workplace fatality is a family, a friend, a colleague and a community that carries that loss," Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board Chairperson Gord Dobrowolsky said. "The National Day of Mourning is a reminder that we must remain vigilant in our efforts to protect workers so everyone can come home safely at the end of the workday."
April 28 was first declared as the National Day of Mourning by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984. The day is now annually observed across Canada as a way to pay tribute to individuals killed, injured or stricken with illness in the workplace.
In 2023, WorkSafe Saskatchewan, a partnership between the Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, released the 2023-2028 Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy to help prevent and reduce serious workplace injuries and fatalities.
Copies of the 2023-28 Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy are available at www.worksafesask.ca.
I was honoured to participate in the Regina District Labour Council Vigil Regina City Hall April 28 to honour those who lost their lives to workplace injury or illness.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families and communities forever changed by these tragedies. No one should leave for work and not come home.
With 27 lives lost this year and thousands of injuries, the message is clear: even one is too many. We all have a role to play in making safety a priority.
Together, let’s commit to building safer workplaces across Saskatchewan—so everyone gets home safe, every day.
MOST POPULAR BABY NAMES FOR 2025
Perennial favourites Noah and Olivia claimed top rankings for boys and girls names in Saskatchewan in 2025.
eHealth Saskatchewan released its list of the top 20 baby names today showing some ties, plenty of repeaters and notable movement with other names.
Muhammad flew up the list. Appearing for the first time ever in 2023 in 20th place, Muhammad tied with Oliver and William as the third most popular name for baby boys born in Saskatchewan last year, behind Jack at second place. Hudson and Theodore continue to climb the list. Grayson returns to the list after being absent since 2021, and Weston appears among the top names for baby boys for the first time in 13th place. Last year's top name, Henry, came in 11th place.
On the girl's side, Lainey made an incredible leap to second place this year - tying with Nora - after appearing on the list for the first time last year in 20th place. Reigning champion Olivia took the top spot back from Sophia - making Olivia the most popular name for baby girls born in Saskatchewan for nine of the past 10 years. Amelia, Evelyn and Sophia round out the top of the list. Names like Emma, Charlotte, Ellie and Lily continue to be popular choices.
Check out the top 20 baby names over the last 10 years.
The top 20 baby names for 2025 list was created with a preliminary count of 13,408 live births registered in Saskatchewan during the 2025 calendar year. The number of live births registered in 2024 was 13,207. This does not include babies born outside of the province.
WONDERFUL TO ATTEND AND MEET WITH SO MANY GROUPS THIS PAST WEEK
SIEC CULINARY BOOT CAMP
I was honoured as Minister of Advanced Education, to represent the Government of Saskatchewan and celebrate the amazing graduates of SIEC’s culinary bootcamp.
The Saskatoon Industry Education Council Culinary event was held tonight at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Campus.
SIEC continues to deliver innovative, hands-on programs from culinary arts to robotics and welding, helping thousands of youth build skills and find opportunities. It was great to see youth employment on the rise and momentum growing!
A special thank you to Executive Director Janet Uchacz-Hart for over 20 years of incredible leadership and impact. Wishing Janet all the best in your retirement!
One of the participants above, Ella pictured with her parents Tim and Kathy Shirkey.
Congratulations to all participants on a job well done!
Read more by viewing the PDF
