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. “
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 moreJoin 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 todayView 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 tabA 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.
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.
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.
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 Workers’ Compensation Board of Alberta Opens in new tab and the Alberta Construction Safety Association 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 Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Opens in new tab and Workers Health & Safety Centre 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
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.