The National Day of Mourning, observed annually in Canada on April 28, pays tribute to those who have lost their lives, been injured, become ill or suffered tragedy at work. It’s a day to remember those who have suffered because of their work. It’s also a day to renew our collective commitment to improving workplace health and safety, and to preventing further injuries, illnesses, and deaths. This year’s theme is “Safe Work Now!”
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Murray Scott and CUPE Local 919 president Mike Gerrior met on Thursday, April 25, 2024, to joining sign a proclamation declaring Sunday, April 28, as the National Day of Mourning within he municipality.
Flags at all municipal offices will be lowered to half-mast on Friday, April 26, and remain lowered through the weekend as a sign of remembrance and respect to every person killed or injured on the job.
April 28 was proclaimed a National Day of Mourning by an Act of Parliament on Feb. 1, 1991, as a day to remember, reflect and re-commit to the goal of making Canada’s workplaces safer.
Since the Westray Bill was enacted in 1982, almost 700 workers have died at or because of work in Nova Scotia and it’s estimated that 1,000 workers are killed on the job across Canada annually. Last year 24 workers in this province lost their life at or because of work.
The day serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the daily risks and hazards many workers face, particularly those in high-risk occupations.
By signing the proclamation, Mayor Scott and Gerrior aim to promote a workplace safety culture and encourage employers to prioritize the health and well-being of their employees.
The day is a powerful reminder that every worker has the right to a safe and healthy work environment and must work together to prevent future tragedies.
The Day of Mourning is observed in more than 100 countries around the world and is also known as International Workers’ Memorial Day. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) recognize this day as World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
According to the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), there were 993 workplace fatalities in Canada in 2022, including 941 men, 50 women and 2 non-binary people, as well as 33 young workers between the ages of 15 and 24. In addition to these fatalities, 348,747 lost-time injury claims were accepted across the country. This represents an increase of 75,000 cases compared to 2021.