2017 Day of Mourning: April 28

2017 Day of Mourning: April 28

 

April 21, 2017

This year’s National Day of Mourning, to remember and honour workers who have lost their lives, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace, will be held on April 28. It’s also a day to renew our commitment to safe and health workplaces and to the prevention of future workplace deaths.

As cited by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), statistics from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) tell us that in 2015, 852 workplace deaths were recorded in Canada. Among those dead were four young workers aged 15 to 19; and another 11 workers aged 20 to 24. Add to these fatalities the 232,629 claims accepted for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 8,155 from young workers aged 15 to 19, and the fact that these statistics only include what is reported and accepted by the compensation boards, and it is safe to say that the total number of workers impacted is even higher.

What these numbers don’t show, says CCOHS, is just how many people are directly affected by these workplace tragedies. Each worker death impacts the loved ones, families, friends and co-workers they leave behind, changing all of their lives forever.

On April 28 the Canadian flag will fly at half-mast on Parliament Hill and on all federal government buildings. Employers and workers will observe Day of Mourning in a variety of ways. Some light candles, lay wreaths, wear commemorative pins, ribbons or black armbands, and pause for a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m.

April 28 became Canada’s official day or mourning under an act of Parliament passed in 1991. Today the Day of Mourning is recognized in about 100 countries around the world.

Find out what’s happening in your area:

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    June 9, 2025 Introduction: With the multitude of options on the market, it can be difficult to decide whether you need a pin and sleeve wiring device or a plug and connector in your industrial plant or facility. You might find your head swirling with thoughts about which option is best. Or you may not… Read More…

  • Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada On June 3 and 4, a high-level delegation from Canada’s electrical and automation sector travelled to Montreal and Quebec City for a series of strategic meetings with Quebec government officials and key stakeholders. Organized by Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), this mission underscores the critical role the industry plays in advancing… Read More…

  • Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada This year’s Annual Industry Conference, held against the breathtaking backdrop of Niagara Falls, Ontario, was a landmark event with more than 710 Electro-Federation Canada community members. More than just a celebration of our shared history, it was a launchpad for new ideas, future-based dialogue, and deeper connections.   The energy and… Read More…

  • Code Quiz: Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, 26th Edition Section 28 – Motors and Generators

    Code Quiz: Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, 26th Edition Section 28 – Motors and Generators

    by William (Bill) Burr Question:  Adam is working in his garage cutting wood on his table saw. Suddenly the lights go out and the sump pump and the table saw stop running. There is obviously a power outage. After a short time, the lights and the sump pump come back on, but thetable saw stays off. Adam needs to restart it.  Can you explain why the lights and sump pump come back on… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Andrey Goreev Joins Mersen Electrical Power as Regional Sales Manager

    Andrey Goreev Joins Mersen Electrical Power as Regional Sales Manager

    June 9, 2025 MERSEN CANADA TORONTO INC. is pleased to announce effective June 2nd, 2025, Andrey Goreev has joined Mersen Electrical Power as Regional Sales Manager for the Western Canada Region. He will report to Tom Arbanas, Vice President of Distribution Sales and Customer Care, Canada. Andrey has over 18 years of experience in industrial… Read More…

  • Electric Avenue Powers Ahead with Major Win and New Flagship Product: Watti Pro Echo

    Electric Avenue Powers Ahead with Major Win and New Flagship Product: Watti Pro Echo

    June 9, 2025 In an industry dominated by global giants, a startup from Canada’s East Coast is quickly becoming one of the most compelling cleantech success stories in the country. Electric Avenue, a Nova Scotia–based EV charging manufacturer, is making waves in the North American market with the official launch of its Watti Pro Echo… Read More…

  • Manitoba and BC Establish Free Trade Agreements

    June 9, 2025 The Manitoba government will sign a new memorandum of understanding with British Columbia to advance free trade between the two provinces and cabinet will pass regulations by July 1 to ensure mutual recognition of other provinces by Canada Day, Premier Wab Kinew announced today at the MBiz Breakfast Series hosted by the… Read More…

  • Nova Scotia Removing Trade Barriers With Other Provinces, Federal Government

    Nova Scotia Removing Trade Barriers With Other Provinces, Federal Government

    June 9, 2025 Trade barriers between Nova Scotia, several provinces and the federal government will soon be removed. Nova Scotia, along with Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Prince Edward Island have taken action to remove barriers and red tape that will open up new trade and investment opportunities. It is also anticipated that the… Read More…