If Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Percy Hatfield has his way, every school, hospital, municipal building and university in Ontario would lower their flags for National Workers Day of Mourning.
Workplace injuries and death are mourned every April 28.
Hatfield says while Ontario government buildings lower their flags, it's voluntary for entities in the so-called MUSH sector, institutions that receive provincial funding but have some autonomy from the province. He doesn't think it should be.
"Some municipalities are good about it. Some unions bargain it into their contracts. Others, it's hit and miss," he says. "We're just saying if you're getting a good portion of your funding from the provincial government, you will follow the provincial rule and lower your flag."
The bill will have to go through the process in the Ontario Legislature, and private members' bills rarely become law, but Hatfield doesn't anticipate much opposition.
"I talked to the Labour Minister Kevin Flynn and he assured me of his support for the bill," he says. "So if he is supporting it, the NDP is supporting it, I can't see any reason why the Conservatives wouldn't fall in line as well."
On Thursday, the bill unanimously passed second reading in the Ontario legislature with a standing ovation, and Hatfield says he would like to have the bill in place by next year's National Workers Day of Mourning.
Ultimately, Hatfield hopes greater awareness about workplace safety will prevent more injuries and deaths on the job.