Today, 3 workers in Canada will die on the job. That’s more than 1,000 families devastated by a workplace tragedy each year.
Each year, Canada recognizes April 28th as the National Day of Mourning, which to us is a reminder of why we do what we do. Too many families have been torn apart by tragedies, too many lives have been lost and changed forever. No paycheck is worth a life and no job is worth dying for. April 28th is a day dedicated to employers and employees to remember those who have passed away, injured or stricken by illness on the job. On this day, Saskatchewan renews its commitment to improving health and safety in the workplace and re-commit to the actions required for prevention.
Individuals are encouraged to take an active role in the promotion of health and safety as part of their workplace culture. Let’s all come together and observe a moment of silence on this day to remember the 36 Saskatchewan workplace deaths that occurred in 2019. These are not just numbers, with each workplace tragedy and loss of life there are family members, friends and co-workers left behind whose worlds were turned upside down and forever changed.
Moment of Silence
This day is not just a day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to workplace tragedies, but also a day to renew our commitment to improving the health and safety in Saskatchewan to prevent further injuries, illnesses and death from occurring on the job. On April 28th, the Canadian flag will fly at half-mast on Parliament Hill and all federal government buildings. We will be observing a moment of silence for anyone attending our webinar training tomorrow on Hazard Assessment & Controls.
These walks raise funds and awareness for Threads of Life, supporting the healing journey of families who have suffered from a workplace fatality, traumatic life-altering injury or occupational disease. Due to the current COVID-19 situation across the country, Threads of Life has made the decision not to host their traditional yearly walks for Steps for Life 2020. However, the need for which you are walking, sponsoring or raising funds continues – families affected by workplace tragedy continue to need your support. They are encouraging you to choose an activity such as a solo walk or a 5 km ride on your bike to demonstrate your commitment to health and safety. Register in your community (Regina or Saskatoon), connect with a virtual team, and share online with thousands of other Canadians, all working together to make a difference for Canadian families.
Day of Mourning Ceremonies
Typically, there are hundreds of public and private ceremonies taking place across the country on April 28th. In light of COVID-19, many provinces are holding virtual events to commemorate this very important day. Consider observing in a moment of silence or lighting a candle in remembrance of all the lives lost. For more information on what is occurring in Saskatchewan, see below:
Canadian Labour Congress Prairie Region & Saskatchewan Labour Councils (Joint Project)
Video of labour leaders and activists reading the names of the workers in Saskatchewan who lost their lives in 2019 as a result of workplace injuries or occupational disease.
In 1984, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) began to celebrate Workers’ Memorial Day. On April 28th, 1985, the Canadian Labour Congress officially declared it an annual day of national remembrance. In December 1990, the Workers Mourning Act passed in Parliament, marking April 28th as the annual Canadian National Day of Mourning. The Day of Mourning has since spread to over 100 countries around the world.
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