On April 28, we observe the National Day of Mourning in honour of workers who have suffered a work-related disability, disease or death.

As we remember the victims of workplace tragedies, their grieving families, coworkers and communities, we recommit to the fight to ensure every worker ends their workday healthy, safe, and whole.

On average, approximately 1,000 workers in Canada are killed or die each year due to workplace-related causes, however, the real number could be higher. Many serious incidents and injuries, sadly, go unreported.

These numbers are frightening. They also serve as a daily reminder of the unfinished work we have left to do.

We must never wait for a tragedy to happen before we act. Our right to know, our right to participate, and our right to refuse unsafe work are not abstract ideas, they are fundamental tools for our protection. Tools that were secured at a high human cost.

As the world of work changes, through artificial intelligence, automation, and digitalisation, these rights remain non-negotiable. We must ensure that workers have a seat at the ever-evolving health and safety table. While technology may offer benefits, workers must not be exposed to new risks. Progress should never come at the cost of a worker’s life, health or livelihood.

When tragedy does strike, workers demand and deserve accountability. It has been over 20 years since the Westray Law was passed to hold employers to account for their criminal behaviour related to workplace health and safety – sadly and regrettably the law is rarely used in workplace incident prosecutions. Workers demand and deserve better.

We fight for justice by holding those in power to account and by ensuring that every worker returns home whole.

Today and every day we mourn for the dead and fight for the living.

Watch the video honouring workers who have lost their lives to workplace incidents.