Mining Communities Mark Davis Day

Mining communities across Nova Scotia pause on Monday to remember miners who died on the job in this province.

The day originated in memory of Bill Davis, a striking Cape Breton coal miner who was killed during a protest on June 11, 1925.

The protest occurred near New Waterford after the mining company cut off the water and electric supply during a long and bitter miners’ strike.

Residents marched on the pumping station at Waterford Lake demanding that the utilities be restored. During an ensuing confrontation with armed company police, shots were fired and Davis was killed.

Davis Day, also known as Miners’ Memorial Day, has evolved to become a remembrance for all workers killed in Nova Scotia.

“This is an important day for all Nova Scotians to reflect on all work-related tragedies and to make positive changes to improve their workplace health and safety,” said Environment and Labour Minister David Morse.

“Improvements made in workplace health and safety since Davis’s death mean that worker fatalities -- in mining or any other industry -- have not been in vain,” Mr. Morse said. “We are committed to working with Nova Scotians to ensure everyone in a workplace has the information they need to make sound decisions about health and safety.”

Each year, the United Mine Workers union organizes Davis Day events across Nova Scotia. Services are being held in Sydney Mines, Springhill, New Glasgow and River Hebert.