National Day of Mourning – April 28, 2023

On the National Day of Mourning, April 28, Canadians will pay tribute to workers who have died, were injured, or made ill from their work.  It is also a day on which to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths.

Workplace injuries and illnesses claimed the lives of 181 B.C. workers last year, with more than half (107) of the work-related deaths the result of occupational disease — 67 were the result of exposure to asbestos, with many exposures happening decades earlier. Every injury, disease, or death serves as a powerful reminder that employers have an important responsibility to ensure that all workplaces in B.C. are healthy and safe.

On April 28, the Canadian flag will be flown at half-mast on Parliament Hill and all federal government buildings.  Traditionally, employers and workers have observed the National Day of Mourning by lighting candles, laying wreaths, or wearing commemorative pins, ribbons or black armbands.

To mark Coast Mountains School District’s commitment in observance of the National Day of Mourning on April 28, the flags in Coast Mountains School District will be lowered to half-mast early Friday morning, April 28 and raised early Monday morning, May 1.

In honour of the memory of all workers who have been killed and injured in the workplace, we share the following Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety video about the Day of Mourning and the BCFED OH&S Centre Day of Mourning Poster, as displayed to the right designed by artist Burton Amos of the Haisla/Tsimshian Nations.

Day of Mourning – April 28
(YouTube Video – click on link to open)

Take time to remember … information about the National Day of Mourning can be found on the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website at www.ccohs.ca/events/mourning or visit the BC Day of Mourning website at dayofmourning.bc.ca.