National Day of Mourning, April 28, 2019
The National Day of Mourning, or Workers’ Mourning Day, originated in Canada in 1984 and is now observed annually in over 100 countries on April 28 to honour the memory of those who have died, and pay respect to those who have been adversely affected by life-changing injuries or illnesses in the workplace. Workers' Mourning Day also raises awareness and renews the commitment of all levels of government, employers, workers, and community members to ensure safe and healthy workplaces exist as every worker has the right to return home safe and sound at the end of each workday.
Canadian workers compensation statistics from 2017 tell us there were:
- 951 workplace deaths (an increase of 46 in 2016) including 23 young workers from 15–24 years of age.
- 251,508 claims accepted for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 31,441 from young workers aged 15–24.
There are several ways to show support for those who have been affected by workplace fatality or injury. The PEI Federation of Labour will host a National Day of Mourning Ceremony on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 2:00 pm at St Paul's Church Hall, 101 Prince Street, Charlottetown. The University of Prince Edward Island will observe the day by keeping the flags at half-mast (they were lowered earlier this week to honour UPEI alumnus Josh Underhay and his son Oliver who passed away suddenly as a result of a tragic accident).
