The National Day of Mourning (also known as Workers Memorial Day) is held annually on April 28th and was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991,

eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).  The Day of Mourning has since spread to about 80 countries around the world and has been adopted by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and the International Confederation of Free Trade.

In 2008, the most recent year for which we have statistics, 1,036 workplace deaths were recorded in Canada.  This represents more than 2 (2.43) deaths every day.  Another 942, 478 were injured or become ill.

The Canadian flag on Parliament Hill will fly at half-mast.  Workers will light candles, don ribbons and black armbands and observe moments of silence.  Businesses are asked to participate by declaring April 28th a Day of Mourning and to strive to prevent workplace deaths, illnesses and injuries.

The slogan for the 2010 CLC National Day of Mourning “Is today the day you die at work?” asks, why is it that so many Canadians unjustly lose their life?  Day of Mourning events are planned across the country.  Please visit the CLC Day of Mourning calendar of events at http://www.canadianlabour.ca/news-room/events-calendar to see events taking place near you.