Terence Kernaghan MPP, London North Centre

Government of Ontario

Province must take action to improve the safety of workers on construction sites

Published on December 15, 2020

LONDON – London MPPs Peggy Sattler, Terence Kernaghan and Teresa Armstrong, together with MPP Wayne Gates, have issued a statement regarding the building collapse at 555 Teeple Terrace in London:

“The community in London is grieving the loss of two young workers, Henry Harder and John Martens, who died in the tragedy at 555 Teeple Terrace last week. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and our thoughts are with the workers who are still recovering from their injuries after this incident.

Ontario’s Ministry of Labour must thoroughly investigate every aspect of this incident. The government must take action on the findings, and introduce necessary laws and regulations to better protect workers on construction sites. We join the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) in urging the police to investigate the circumstances that led to these deaths. These families deserve answers, and to know that meaningful and immediate measures are being taken to ensure this never happens again.

If any worker across Ontario feels unsafe in the workplace, we are telling them this – you have the right to refuse unsafe work. No worker should ever face these horrific consequences of simply doing their job, and no family should have to worry that their loved one won’t return at the end of their shift.”