Every year on April 28, Canada observes the National Day of Mourning, a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering workers who have been injured, made ill, or lost their lives due to their jobs. This year, as Canadians gather to reflect on the human cost of workplace tragedies, unions are calling for urgent action to address both visible and invisible workplace hazards.
According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), 2023 saw a staggering 1,057 accepted workplace fatalities and over 274,000 accepted lost-time injury claims. These figures represent not just numbers but real people—mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends whose lives have been irrevocably altered. The toll of workplace injuries extends beyond the individual, affecting families and entire communities.
“This isn’t just about accidents—it’s about systemic failures,” stated Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). She emphasized the need for accountability, noting that the Westray Law exists to hold employers criminally responsible for workplace deaths caused by negligence. However, she cautioned that without consistent enforcement, its power remains limited. “A worker’s life is not a business expense,” she added.
Young workers are particularly vulnerable, often entering the workforce without a full understanding of the risks they face. The CLC is urging that every worker has the right to know what they are being exposed to, and every employer must provide a safe and healthy work environment. This includes recognizing mental health injuries as valid and compensable. “Workplace injuries and illnesses are preventable; they are not just part of the job,” Bruske asserted.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the impact of workplace tragedies was felt deeply, with 26 workers losing their lives in the past year—15 due to occupational diseases and 11 from fatal incidents, according to Workplace NL. Over the past five years, 124 workers have died in the province alone. Ann Martin, CEO of Workplace NL, called for a moment of silence to renew the focus on building safer, healthier workplaces.
In Brandon, Manitoba, a flag-raising ceremony was held on April 27, 2025, a day earlier than usual due to the federal election. The event, attended by around 40 residents, was organized by the Brandon and District Labour Council. Kirk Carr, president of the council, expressed the urgency of improving workplace safety, stating, “Every worker deserves to return home safely at the end of the day, free from the threat of injury or illness.”
The ceremony was particularly poignant as Carr revealed that 18 workers in Manitoba had lost their lives in 2025 due to workplace accidents and occupational diseases—six from occupational diseases and twelve from traumatic injuries. Erin Gabrielle shared her family’s experience with a workplace injury, detailing how her husband, Troy, was paralyzed from the waist down following a construction accident earlier this year. “Troy has always been someone who wants to learn new things and be active,” she recounted, highlighting his resilience and determination to advocate for workplace safety.
Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett and Glen Simard, MLA for Brandon East and Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations, also spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing the need for collaboration between government, employers, and workers to create safer work environments. “Today, we stand together in solemn recognition of the people and communities that have been irreparably impacted by preventable workplace tragedies,” Simard said.
The National Day of Mourning serves not only as a remembrance but as a powerful call to action. It was first declared by the CLC in 1984 and officially recognized by the Canadian government in 1991. Today, it has grown into an international movement, with more than 100 countries recognizing it as Workers’ Memorial Day. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) have also declared it as International Workers’ Memorial Day, aiming to raise awareness about workplace safety.
Across Canada, the day is observed in various meaningful ways. In Ottawa, the Canadian flag flies at half-mast on Parliament Hill and all federal government buildings. Workers and employers honor the fallen by lighting candles, laying wreaths, or wearing commemorative pins, ribbons, or black armbands. A moment of silence is observed at 11 a.m. to reflect on the day’s significance.
“By sharing these messages and promoting safety in the workplace, we remind people to put health and safety at the forefront of their daily work,” a spokesperson for the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety noted. The observance is not merely a day of remembrance; it is a commitment to ensuring that no more lives are lost or altered due to preventable tragedies.
As Canadians commemorate this important day, it serves as a reminder that no worker should have to risk their health or life for their job. Together, we must continue to strive for a future where every workplace is a safe place for every worker. The resolve to improve safety standards and protect workers is stronger than ever, as families and communities unite to honor those who have suffered and to advocate for a safer future.
To learn more about workplace safety and how to get involved, Canadians are encouraged to visit official websites and explore resources that support this crucial cause.
