DATE: April 28th, 2025
SAFA Marks the Day of Mourning
On this National Day of Mourning, SAFA remembers workers who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness while on the job. It is a time to acknowledge the sacrifices made by workers and a reminder of the ongoing need to address workplace hazards. We encourage our members to observe a moment of silence at 11a.m. on April 28 in honor of those who have been lost.
According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), “in 2023, there were 1,057 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada. Among these deaths were 29 young workers aged 15-24.
Add to these fatalities the 274,022 accepted claims for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 32,861 from workers aged 15-24, and the fact these statistics only include what is reported and accepted by the compensation boards, there is no doubt the total number of workers impacted is even greater.
And it’s not just these numbers on which we need to reflect. With each worker tragedy there are loved ones, family members, friends and co-workers who are directly affected, left behind, and deeply impacted – their lives also forever changed. “
The National Day of Mourning was initiated by unions almost four decades ago and officially recognized by the federal government in 1991.
Resources
- Threads of Life, a Canadian nonprofit organization supporting people affected by workplace injury, illness, or death.
- Day of Mourning video, CCOHS information video
- Day of Mourning video, Alberta information video