Day of Mourning

Day of Mourning History

Day of Mourning is dedicated to remembrance and honour of those who lost their lives or suffered injuries at their workplaces. Allied with promoting the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases, this event represents unity and support for the affected families, friends and colleagues. The key focus lies in spreading awareness about workplace safety and advocating for efforts to establish a safe and healthy environment within every organization.

The Day of Mourning traces its roots back to Canada when it was officially recognized by parliament in 1991. Initiated by the Canadian Labour Congress, the tradition began on April 28, 1984, to commemorate workers harmed or killed in occupational accidents. Canada, as the birthplace of this observance, holds a crucial role in this movement, with around 1,000 Canadians losing their lives each year due to work-related incidents. Organizations, communities, and individuals across the country engage in the remembrance and reflection upon the lives and experiences of those affected by such tragedies.

The event is commemorated in Canada through various activities involving both employers and employees. Memorial services, ceremonies, and forums are held to pay tribute to the fallen and generate discussions on prevention measures and workplace safety. Also, a minute of silence is observed in workplaces and public gatherings across the nation. The Canadian Day of Mourning occurrs annually on April 28th.

Top facts about Day of Mourning

• On this day the Canadian flag is flown at half-mast on Parliament Hill and on all federal government buildings.
• According to the Canadian Labour Congress, in 2023, there were 1,081 workplace fatalities in Canada.
  According to the University of Regina, in 2022, about 950 workers die each year while on the job in Canada.
• In 2023 the most dangerous jobs were Canadas:
  1. Fishing and trapping
  2. Mining, quarrying and oil wells
  3. Logging and forestry
  4. Construction
  5. Transportation and storage
• The workers mourn and pay respect through candle vigils, wearing black arm bands, and observing moments of silence.
• The Canadian Labour Congress first recognized the Day of Mourning in 1984.

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Top things to do for Day of Mourning

• Get involved by volunteering, donating, or participating in events like Steps for Life. Steps for life is a 5-km walk that takes place during the first weekend of May. It aims to fundraise for those families affected by workplace injury or illness.
• Explore different memorials that remember those workers who lost their lives on the job.
• Watch an informational guide on preventing workplace injuries.
• Read Occupational Safety and Health in the Age of High Technology: For Technologists, Engineers, and Managers by David L. Goetsch.