Union urges Alberta to adopt recommendations after fatal stabbing of Calgary care worker
CALGARY — The union representing a Calgary care worker fatally stabbed on the job is calling on the Alberta government to accept recommendations from a fatality inquiry that examined her death.
Deborah Onwu, an employee of Woods Homes Society, was killed in October 2019 after being stabbed 19 times while working alone with Brandon Newman, a resident with complex needs, a history of violence and multiple cognitive and mental health issues.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees requested the inquiry after Onwu’s death. Justice Jivraj’s report was released Wednesday and makes four recommendations for legislative change.
CUPE Alberta president Raj Uppal said the changes could prevent similar tragedies.
“Deborah Onwu didn’t need to die that night,” Uppal said. “If she had the full history of the client’s behaviour, if she had a co-worker, if there were other precautions taken, she might still be here.”
Troy Winters, CUPE’s health and safety expert who testified at the inquiry, said Alberta’s legislation lags behind.
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