Mining Communities and Province to Mark Davis Day

Mining communities across the province will pause Friday to remember miners killed on the job in Nova Scotia.

As part of annual Davis Day events, church services and wreath-laying ceremonies will be held in several communities.

Davis Day, also known as Miners' Memorial Day, originated in memory of Bill Davis, a Cape Breton miner killed during a protest June 11, 1925, in New Waterford.

The protest occurred after the mining company cut off the water supply to the town during a miners' strike. The community marched on the pumping station at Waterford Lake in an attempt to restore services. During an ensuing confrontation, shots were fired and Mr. Davis was killed.

Over the years, the date has become a remembrance day for all workers killed in mines in Nova Scotia.

"It's important that these people are not forgotten and that lessons have been learned from their tragic passing," said Labour Minister Russell MacKinnon. "We have made and will continue to make significant changes with respect to workplace health and safety. We see this as a shared responsibility and will continue to work with Nova Scotians in an effort to protect all workers in all workplaces."

Ecumenical services and wreath-laying ceremonies will be held in Glace Bay, Stellarton, Springhill and River Hebert. The United Mineworkers organize Davis Day events across the province.