'The National Day of Mourning is not only about remembrance, but also an opportunity to create awareness and focus on prevention to ensure health and safety is a priority in every workplace'
Canadians will observe the National Day of Mourning on April 28 to honour workers who have lost their lives, been injured, or fallen ill due to work-related incidents. The day, first recognized by the federal government in 1991, is marked across the country with ceremonies, tributes, and calls to strengthen workplace safety.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is encouraging individuals and workplaces to observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. The agency highlighted the importance of the day as both a time of remembrance and a call to action to prevent future tragedies.
“The National Day of Mourning is not only about remembrance, but also an opportunity to create awareness and focus on prevention to ensure health and safety is a priority in every workplace,” said Anne Tennier, president and CEO, CCOHS.
In 2023, the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) reported 1,057 workplace fatalities and more than 274,000 time-loss injury claims.
In British Columbia, a public ceremony will take place at Vancouver’s Jack Poole Plaza at 10:00 a.m., attended by representatives from the provincial Ministry of Labour, WorkSafeBC, the BC Federation of Labour, and the Business Council of British Columbia, according to a report from Castanet.
The province reported 146 workplace fatalities last year, with occupational disease cited as the leading cause of death.
In Alberta, the provincial government is distributing resources to support public and workplace observance of the day. The province recorded 203 work-related deaths in 2024, including cases resulting from occupational disease, trauma, and motor vehicle collisions.
Prince Edward Island will hold an evening ceremony at St. Paul’s Hall in Charlottetown. The Workers Compensation Board of PEI reported nine workplace fatalities last year and noted that although injury rates have declined, recent deaths underline the continued need for safety vigilance. The PEI Federation of Labour called for more inspections and stronger penalties for non-compliance.
In New Brunswick, where 14 workers died on the job in 2024, events are planned in several communities, including Saint John, Fredericton, and Moncton. WorkSafeNB is encouraging flags to be lowered to half-mast and moments of silence to be observed.
Newfoundland and Labrador will also observe the day, with WorkplaceNL urging residents to reflect on the 26 workers who lost their lives in 2024 due to occupational diseases and traumatic incidents. Over the past five years, 124 work-related deaths have been reported in the province.
In Nova Scotia, efforts to raise awareness include sharing personal stories, such as that of Jamie Lapierre, who died at age 21 in a confined space incident in 2000. His story is being used as a reminder of the long-lasting impact of workplace fatalities.
Labour groups mark National Day of Mourning
Labour unions across Canada are also marking the day.
Unifor is remembering members lost in the past year, including Alberta-based driver Peter Lecerf, who died following a vehicle incident in January. The union is calling for stronger enforcement, improved training, and systemic change to address risks in all sectors.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) is drawing attention to invisible workplace hazards, such as chemical exposure and psychological trauma, and is calling on governments and employers to improve safety regulations and enforcement.
Organisers and officials are encouraging Canadians to participate in a variety of ways, including attending ceremonies, lowering flags to half-mast, displaying posters, and wearing lapel stickers. Resources and information about events are available at www.ccohs.ca/events/mourning.
In 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress, the Parliament of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act making April 28 an official Day of Mourning.
The National Day of Mourning is now observed in more than 100 countries and serves as a global reminder of the need to ensure every worker returns home safely.
“It is the hope of CCOHS that the annual observance of this day will help strengthen the resolve to establish safe and healthy conditions in the workplace, and prevent further injuries, illnesses, and deaths. As much as this is a day to remember those who have lost their lives, it is also a call to protect the living and make work a place where people are safe and can thrive.”
