Marked annually in Canada on April 28, the National Day of Mourning is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, or suffered injury or illness on the job or due to a work-related tragedy.
#hashtagDayOfMourning
Observance
How to support
Beyond the statistics
History
In 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress, the Parliament of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act making April 28 an official Day of Mourning. Today the Day of Mourning has since spread to more than 100 countries around the world and is recognized as Workers’ Memorial Day, and as International Workers’ Memorial Day by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
It is the hope of CCOHS that the annual observance of this day will help strengthen the resolve to establish safe and healthy conditions in the workplace, and prevent further injuries, illnesses, and deaths. As much as this is a day to remember the dead, it is also a call to protect the living and make work a place where people can thrive.
Source: Fatalities, by Age and Jurisdiction 2019, Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC),National Work Injury/Disease Statistics Program (NWISP)
Source: Lost Time Claims, by Age and Jurisdiction, 2019, Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC),National Work Injury/Disease Statistics Program (NWISP)
For further statistical information visit the AWCBC National Work Injuries Statistics Program.
APR
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Show your commitment on social media
Show your commitment by sharing the following messages on your social media channels.
Day of Mourning postcard with ducks
Pause. Reflect. Remember.
At 11 a.m., I will honour workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job.
Day of Mourning postcard with dandelions and seeds
Pause. Reflect. Remember. Renew.
At 11 a.m., we will honour workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job, and will renew our commitment to health and safety in the workplace.
Day of Mourning postcard with candles
We remember workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job. We commit to protecting workers and preventing further workplace tragedies.
Day of Mourning postcard with worker wearing a mask
We honour the workers who have risked their health and safety to serve others, especially during these uncertain times.
The global union confederation ITUC will soon be making available International Workers’ Memorial Day posters in English, French and Spanish. More details to follow. #iwmd20
With fewer than three weeks to go until International Workers’ Memorial Day on 28 April, a welter of new resources has become available to help union safety reps promote the global event.
