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National Day of Mourning remembers workers

Hamilton, Ont. – On the National Day of Mourning, April 28, Canadians will pay tribute to workers who have died, were injured, or made ill from their work.

It is also a day on which to renew our commitment to preventing future workplace tragedies, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) said in a news release. This year, the CCOHS acknowledges the sacrifices of front-line and essential workers who have died or become ill serving during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On April 28, the Canadian flag will flow at half-mast on Parliament Hill and all federal government buildings. Traditionally, employers and workers have observed the National Day of Mourning by lighting candles, laying wreaths, or wearing commemorative pins, ribbons or black armbands. In light of COVID-19, CCOHS encourages organizations, communities, and individuals to pause for a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on April 28, and consider holding, attending, or supporting a virtual event.

More information about the National Day of Mourning can be found on the CCOHS website.

In 2018, 1,027 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada, according to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada. This is an increase of 76 from the previous year. Among those dead were 27 young workers aged 15-24. In addition, there were 264,438 accepted claims (an increase of 12,930 from the past year) for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 33,058 from workers aged 15-24.