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 2007, 1,055 workplace deaths were recorded in Canada - up from 976 the previous year. This represents almost 3 deaths every day. Another 972,407 were injured or became 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 CLC will hold a special ceremony at 12:30 p.m. on April 28th in Ottawa at Vincent Massey Park.  The theme for the 2009 CLC National Day of Mourning is "Enough is Enough! It's time to enforce the law and bring employers who kill to justice." Everyone is encouraged to visit the CLC Day of Mourning Web site at www.april28.ca.   

There will also be a vigil held at midnight on April 28th in Québec City in front of the National Assembly to honour the memory of the 195 people who died due to work-related accidents in Québec in 2008.  The Fédération des Travailleurs (euses) du Québec (FTQ) will hold a press conference later that morning. Transportation to the Québec City vigil is available for union members who would like to participate. For more information, please contact Paolo Réhel at paolo.rehel@twu-stt.ca.

Similar events will be held across Canada. Please check with your shop steward or Labour Council delegate for events near you.