April 28 Marks Workers’ Memorial Day

The National Day of Mourning is a day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy. 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.

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 Organization and the International Trade Union Confederation.

It is the hope of Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety 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 those who have lost their lives, it is also a call to protect the living and make work a place where people are safe and can thrive. Learn more at National Day of Mourning.