Have your say: Is it time for a tribute to essential workers?

Stéphanie Plante

Many cities, including New York, Moscow, and Dublin have erected or are in the process of approving memorials or plaques to thank the thousands of essential workers who selflessly kept our economy and lives afloat during the pandemic.

Local resident Stéphanie Plante is seeking comments and feedback regarding the possibility of establishing a tribute to essential workers in our neighbourhood.

Memorials, plaques, statues and other commemorative efforts have persisted for centuries to establish empathy with past events and to honour the lives of the deceased. Ottawa is home to the Ottawa Firefighters Memorial, many World War I and World War II commemorations and the National Cemetery of Canada. Memorials serve to transfer information to new generations who benefit from their presence in our nation’s capital.

While it may seem premature to erect a dedication to frontline workers given that the pandemic is not over, it is suggested that as we spend more time outside in the warmer months we can take a moment to envision what such a memorial could be and where it could go. A memorial will help us recall the countless contributions of the essential and frontline workers as we hope to build a lifelong gratitude to them.

Please reach out to Stéphanie at stephanie.plante@gmail.com and more details will be unveiled in the coming months.