Mining Communities Mark Davis Day

Mining communities across Nova Scotia will be taking time out Thursday to recognize all miners killed on the job in this province.

Davis Day originated in memory of Bill Davis, a Cape Breton miner killed during a New Waterford protest on June 11, 1925. The protest was in response to the mining company cutting off the water supply to the town during a miners' strike. The community marched on the water pumping station at Waterford Lake to try to restore services. In a resulting confrontation, Mr. Davis was shot and killed. In most mining towns, Davis Day is observed as a civic holiday and the collieries are shut.

Also known as Miners' Memorial Day, the day has evolved to become a remembrance for all workers killed in mines in Nova Scotia. This year, ceremonies are taking place in Dominion, Springhill, River Hebert and Stellarton.

"Although this memorial day is rooted in tragedy, it also carries a message of hope for the future," said Labour Minister, Russell MacKinnon. "These people will not be forgotten and they have not died in vain. As a province, we have made and we will continue to make positive changes with respect to workplace health and safety. Government is committed to working with Nova Scotians to protect all workers in all workplaces across the province."

The United Mineworkers organize Davis Day events across Nova Scotia.