National Day of Mourning

Remembering workers injured or killed on the job

Each year, Canada recognizes the National Day of Mourning on April 28 as a day for employers and employees to remember those who have died, as well as those who are injured or stricken by illness on the job.

On this day, Saskatchewan renews its commitment to improve occupational health and safety in the workplace. The Saskatchewan legislature will read the names of those who lost their lives to their work into the provincial record. The Canadian Labour Congress inscribes the names in the National Registry in Ottawa.

Individuals are encouraged to take an active role in promoting health and safety as a vibrant part of workplace culture. Take time to recognize those affected by work-related illnesses, injuries and deaths, by looking for ways to improve health and safety in the workplace, observing moments of silence and wearing ribbons or armbands.

In 2023, Saskatchewan recorded 29 workplace deaths.

To help commemorate the National Day of Mourning in your workplace, download this year’s poster.

Events around the province

Visit the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour’s website for events happening on April 28.

The history behind the National Day of Mourning

In 1984, the Canadian Union of Public Employees began to celebrate Workers’ Memorial Day. On April 28, 1985, the Canadian Labour Congress officially declared it an annual day of national remembrance. In December 1990, the Workers Mourning Day Act passed in Parliament, making April 28 as the annual Canadian National Day of Mourning.

The Day of Mourning has since spread to about 80 countries around the world.

The National Day of Mourning focuses our attention on these workplace tragedies and reminds us that there is more work to do in the area of workplace health and safety.