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National Day of Mourning

“A day to remember those killed or seriously injured in the workplace.

On Day of Mourning, April 28, all who care deeply about workplace tragedy stand together to honour those affected and to recommit to safer and healthier workplaces. “

Two hands holding a small lit candle.

How workers and families honour their losses

Day of Mourning is an important day for Threads of Life members – a time for private remembrance, but also a time when many choose to share their personal stories in order to honour their loved ones and their own experience, and to help others understand the impact of a death, serious injury or illness caused simply by going to work. If you are personally affected by tragedy, you can join our virtual ceremony on April 28, find a public ceremony to attend through our list below, or visit our Facebook page on Day of Mourning to share your experience or your loved one’s name.

How to get involved

April 28th is a Day of Mourning for all of us, even if we’re not affected personally. We all miss out on the contributions of thousands of Canadians injured or killed at work. That’s why it’s so important to pause and reflect on those losses.

Book a Threads of Life speaker

Volunteer speakers share their personal experience with workplace tragedy, for workplace Day of Mourning and other safety events. Book early – Day of Mourning speakers are in high demand!

Learn more

Join our virtual ceremony

Threads of Life’s brief virtual ceremony is a chance to hear a member share their experience. Join with other committed Canadians to light a candle and recommit to preventing tragedies. Registration opens April 14.

Register today

View our Day of Mourning videos

For Day of Mourning, Threads of Life members share what they miss most about their loved one. View the videos along with recordings of past virtual ceremonies.

See the videos Opens in new tab

A Union Movement

In 1984, unions in Sudbury, Ontario, adopted the day to publicly acknowledge workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths. The Canadian Labour Congress held its first day of remembrance in 1986. The date of April 28th was chosen to reflect the day Ontario passed the Workers’ Compensation Act in 1914.

Two white wreaths stand against a bronze statue of a worker crouched holding a hammer.

National Day of Mourning

Canada recognized its first National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace on April 28, 1991. On this day, flags fly at half-mast, and ceremonies across the country recognize the lives needlessly lost to workplace tragedy. More than 100 other countries have since adopted the observance known widely as Workers’ Memorial Day.

Canadian flag flying at half-mast.

Day of Mourning Ceremonies and Tributes

Communities across the country hold in person Day of Mourning ceremonies. Join with others, in person or at Threads of Life’s online ceremony to honour lives forever changed, and renew your commitment to workplace health and safety.

Woman at a podium speaking with Day of Mourning placard on front of podium.

Find your local Day of Mourning Ceremony

The listing below reflects websites sharing provincial or national listings of Day of Mourning events for the current year. Check with the organizers in your region to determine if there will be an event this year. For link updates, email [email protected] Opens in new tab.

Visit dayofmourning.bc.ca Opens in new tab for information on a Day of Mourning ceremony near you.

Visit WorkSafe Saskatchewan Opens in new tab for information on a Day of Mourning ceremony near you.

Visit SAFE Work Manitoba Opens in new tab and the Manitoba Federation of Labour Opens in new tab for information on a Day of Mourning ceremony near you.

Visit jourdedeuil.com Opens in new tab for information on a Day of Mourning ceremony near you.

Visit dayofmourning.ns.ca Opens in new tab for information on a Day of Mourning ceremony near you.

Visit Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour Opens in new tab for information on a Day of Mourning ceremony near you.

Visit Workers Compensation Board of PEI Opens in new tab or information on a Day of Mourning ceremony near you.

Visit WorkSafeNB Opens in new tab for information on a Day of Mourning ceremony near you.

This is our Day of Mourning

Lighting a Candle this Day of Mourning

News and Updates

April 24, 2024

The National Day of Mourning is an important day for Threads of Life family members – a time for private remembrance, but also a time when many choose to share their personal stories in order to honour their loved ones

Read More

A Day of Mourning – For All of Us

Stories of Hope

April 27, 2023

When lives change due to a workplace tragedy – whether a fatality, a life-altering injury or an occupational disease – we grieve so many losses.

Read More