SAFA Marks the Day of Mourning
Each year on April 28, workers, unions, employers, and communities across Canada observe the National Day of Mourning. It is a day to remember those who have lost their lives, suffered injury, or experienced illness because of their work. It is also a day to recommit ourselves to safe, healthy, and respectful workplaces for everyone.
SAFA encourages members to observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. on April 28 in memory of those who have been lost and in solidarity with workers everywhere.
The Day of Mourning was first established by the Canadian labour movement in 1984 and was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991. Today, ceremonies are held across the country as a reminder that every worker deserves to return home safely at the end of the day.
The most recent national statistics from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada show that 1,057 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada in 2023, along with 274,022 accepted lost-time claims due to work-related injury or disease. Behind every number is a person, a family, friends, and coworkers whose lives were permanently changed.
For SAIT faculty and staff, workplace safety includes more than physical hazards. Psychological health, excessive workload, stress, harassment, and unsafe working conditions also matter. Safe workplaces are built when workers have a voice, concerns are taken seriously, and prevention is prioritized. SAFA supports a safer workplace by representing members when safety concerns arise, participating in joint health and safety processes, advocating for fair workloads and respectful treatment, and pushing for proactive solutions that reduce risk before harm occurs.
On this Day of Mourning, we remember the dead, fight for the living, and renew our commitment to safer workplaces for all.
Resources
- Threads of Life – Organization supporting families affected by workplace injury, occupational disease, or death.
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, Day of Mourning information
- Government of Alberta, Occupational Health & Safety
