National Day of Mourning

The National Day of Mourning is a stark reminder of why we do the work that we do. Too many families have been torn apart. Too many lives have been lost or changed forever, and it affects all of us. No paycheck is worth a life and no job is worth dying for.

According to the Worker’s Compensation Board, Alberta lost 165 people to workplace injuries or illnesses in 2019. Hundreds more workers were lost across Canada.

It’s not just these numbers on which we need to reflect on. With each worker tragedy there are family members, friends and co-workers left behind whose lives are deeply impacted and forever changed.


Moment of Silence

The National Day of Mourning is not only a day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy, but also a day to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths.

On April 28th the Canadian flag will fly at half-mast on Parliament Hill and on all federal government buildings. Employers and workers will observe Day of Mourning in a variety of ways. Some light candles, wear commemorative pins, ribbons or black armbands, and pause for a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m.


Day of Mourning Ceremonies

On April 28, pause a moment to honour lives forever changed, and renew your commitment to workplace health and safety. Light a candle, reflect quietly in your own home or work space, or find a safe way to join your wider community.

Typically, hundreds of public and private ceremonies take place across the country. Due to the COVID-19 situation, we do not expect events to continue as planned.

See the listing below for virtual events and online alternatives to traditional ceremonies. More will be added as information becomes available.

If you know of an online ceremony or event that should be listed here, please email us at [email protected].

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Steps for Life Walks

Steps for Life Walks raise funds and awareness for Threads of Life, supporting the healing journey of families who have suffered from a workplace fatality, traumatic life-altering injury, or occupational disease.

In light of the COVID-19 situation across Canada, Threads of Life has made the decision not to host traditional community gathering for Steps for Life 2020.

However, you are encouraged to choose your own activity and demonstrate your commitment to health and safety, and your support for families affected by workplace tragedy. Register in your community, connect with a virtual team, and share online with thousands of other Canadians, all working together to make a difference for Canadian families.

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History

Now an international observance as a day of mourning for workers killed, injured or made ill by their job, the declaration of April 28th as the Day of Mourning began here in Canada.

In 1984, unions in Sudbury, Ontario, adopted the day as one to publicly acknowledge workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths, and the Canadian Labour Congress officially declared the day of remembrance. The date of April 28th was chosen to reflect the anniversary of the day Ontario passed the Workers’ Compensation Act in 1914.

On April 28, 1991, Canada recognized its first National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace: a day where flags fly at half-mast, and we hold ceremonies across the country to recognize the lives needlessly lost, and the tremendous suffering of those left in the wake of workplace tragedy. In the years since, more than 100 other countries have also adopted the observance known widely as Workers’ Memorial Day.

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Day of Mourning Event Listing

Canada

Canadian Labour Council – Story Sharing Campaign

CLC is requesting stories from front line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic to be shared with local newspapers.

Alberta

Calgary & District Labour Council – Zoom Event

Grande Prairie Regional Safety Committee – Ceremony

  • Cancelled

British Columbia

Day of Mourning BC

  • Tuesday, April 28, 2020
  • Start Time: 10:30 AM (any time zone)
  • Will be posting messages from partners and a video to recognize the 140 BC workers lost in 2019.
  • www.dayofmourning.bc.ca

Campbell River, Courtenay & District Labour Council – Virtual Ceremony

New Westminster & District Labour Council – Virtual Ceremony


Manitoba

Manitoba Federation of Labour – Facebook Live Event


New Brunswick

New Brunswick Federation of Labour – Facebook Live Ceremony


Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour


Nova Scotia

Day of Mourning Nova Scotia

Day of Mourning NS will not be hosting ceremonies or gatherings this year but ask the public to:


Northwest Territories, Nunavut & Yukon

Yukon Federation of Labour – Facebook Live Event

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Ontario

Durham Region Labour Council – Virtual Ceremony (Zoom)

Hamilton District Labour Council – Online and Home Activities

  • Tuesday, April 28, 2020
    • 9:00 AM EDT: Worker Impact Video
    • 11:00 AM EDT: Family Colouring Page
    • 8:20 PM – 8:40 PM EDT: Candle/Flashlight Lighting for the Living
  • HDLC Facebook

Northumberland Labour Council – Virtual Ceremony (Zoom)

Ottawa District Labour Council – Virtual Ceremony

Peterborough & District Labour Council – Facebook Live Ceremony

Toronto Labour Council Online Commemoration

  • Tuesday, April 28, 2020
  • Start Time: 12:00 PM EDT
  • Facebook Live or YouTube (details to be made available)

York Labour Council Online Commemoration

  • Tuesday, April 28, 2020
  • Start Time: 11:00 AM EDT
  • Facebook Live or YouTube (details to be made available)

Waterloo Regional Labour Council – Live Stream


Prince Edward Island

Check back soon…


Quebec

Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail


Saskatchewan

Moose Jaw & District Labour Council – Wreath Laying (Video)

  • Tuesday, April 28, 2020
  • Start Time: Not a live event.
  • Posted: ~10:30 AM CST/MDT
  • MJDLC Facebook

Regina & District Labour Council – Facebook Live Event

Saskatchewan Federation of Labour – Social Media Campaign

  • Tuesday, April 21 – April 28
  • Start Time: Not a live event.
  • Highlighting ideas for how to make workplaces safer
  • SFL Facebook

If you know of an online ceremony or event that should be listed here, please email us at [email protected].


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