National Day of Mourning 2024

Marked annually in Canada on April 28, the National Day of Mourning is a day to remember and honour individuals who have lost their lives or suffered injuries due to workplace tragedies. It’s also a day to collectively renew our commitment to improving health and safety in the workplace and to preventing further injuries, illnesses and deaths.

Traditionally on April 28, the Canadian flag flies at half-mast on Parliament Hill and on all federal government buildings. Employers and workers observe this day in various ways. Some light candles, lay wreaths, wear commemorative pins, ribbons or black armbands, and pause for a moment of silence.

It is important to recognize that workplace tragedies affect more than just the statistics. According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), in 2022, there were 993 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada. Among these deaths were 33 young workers aged 15-24. And it’s not just these numbers on which we need to reflect. These numbers represent individuals who were part of families, friend circles, and communities, leaving a lasting impact on those left behind. Let us take this day to strengthen our resolve in establishing safe and healthy conditions in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses, and deaths.

We invite the SPPH community to join in a moment of silence at 11:00 am on April 28th to remember those who have died while working. Consider sharing or playing our moment of silence video in your workplace to honour those who have died or suffered injury or illness due to a work-related tragedy.

Please see a video message below from Dr. Chris McLeod, Associate Professor and Head, the Occupational and Environmental Health Division at the UBC School of Population and Public Health.

You may also wish to take part in a ceremony or memorial, a list of which can be found in the link here.