The culmination of years of work was revealed at Abbotsford’s International Friendship Garden today, as a golden tree was unveiled to recognize three farm workers who died in a tragic labour accident.
The sculpture, a 22-foot-high replica of an apple tree, was designed by Christina and Dean Lauzé, married artists who live in Mission.
Fifty-two year old Amarjit Kaur Bal, 41-year-old Sukhvinder Kaur Punia, and 31-year-old Sarbjit Kaur Sidhu died on March 7, 2007, when the overpacked van they were heading to work in crashed on Highway 1.
Bal, Punia, and Sidhu were just three of the 14 people crammed into the van when the driver lost control of the vehicle.
A coroner’s inquest into the tragedy resulted in 18 recommendations, and the driver pleaded guilty to driving without reasonable consideration, and driving without a proper license.
“We know our work is not done. There is still plenty of work still to do in making sure workers are healthy and safe every day,” said BC Federation of Labour President Irene Lanzinger.
Former President Jim Sinclair said the years of work required to build the monument was well worth it.
Like most things in life, things that take a long time can be worth it…these woman will never be forgotten.”
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