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Day of Mourning marks solemn reminder of lives lost in the workplace
While much of the country is focused on the federal election, today remains the National Day of Mourning to honour workers who have lost their lives, suffered injuries, or fallen ill because of a workplace tragedy.
April 28 has been a day of remembrance since 1991, when the Parliament of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act. Every year, the Canadian flag flies at half-mast on Parliament Hill and at all federal buildings across the country to mark the occasion.
The day is not only for remembering the lives forever changed by workplace incidents, but also for renewing a collective commitment to improving health and safety on the job and preventing further tragedies.
In 2024 alone, 203 workers in Alberta died from job-related injuries or illnesses. Between 2019 and 2021, more than a third of workplace fatalities in the province occurred in the construction industry.
Across Canada, the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada recorded 1,057 workplace fatalities in 2023. Among those lost were 29 young workers between the ages of 15 and 24. More than 274,000 claims were accepted for lost time due to work-related injuries or illnesses, including nearly 33,000 from young workers. These numbers only reflect incidents reported and accepted by compensation boards, meaning the true impact is likely even greater.
Beyond the statistics are the loved ones, families, friends, and co-workers whose lives are also forever changed by these tragedies.
Today, Canadians are encouraged to observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m., light candles, wear black armbands, or participate in events in their workplaces and communities to honour those affected. Many organizations also share safety messages on social media as a reminder to prioritize workplace health and safety every day.
The Day of Mourning is now recognized in more than 100 countries around the world, known internationally as Workers’ Memorial Day. It stands as a powerful call not just to remember the past, but to protect the living and build safer workplaces for all.
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