April 28th is the National Day of Mourning. It is a solemn day when we honour those lives that have been lost to work-related deaths and those lives that have been forever altered by workplace injuries. The Day of Mourning was first established in 1985 by the Canadian Labour Congress. Eight years later, in 1991, the Canadian Parliament passed the Workers Mourning Day Act making April 28 an official Day of Mourning. Today the Day of Mourning is observed in more than 100 countries around the world.
Every year, on this date, thousands of people gather at ceremonies across Canada to recognize the National Day of Mourning for workers who were killed or injured on the job. These ceremonies will look very different today as we all do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 by continuing to practice physical distancing. This year, we will come together online from inside our homes in communities across the country. Find a virtual event near you by clicking on the link below:
https://canadianlabour.ca/events/day-of-mourning-ceremonies-2020/
You can also show your support on social media by using #dayofmourning.
The greatest way we can honour those lives that have been lost is by renewing our commitment to the promotion of healthy and safe workplaces and the prevention of future incidents.
Stay safe,
Your Component Leadership and Occupational Health and Safety Committee