National Day of Mourning in Canada will be observed on April 28, 2026, to honor workers who have died, been injured, or suffered illness due to workplace incidents.
In 2026, the National Day of Mourning falls on Tuesday, April 28. Established by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984 and enshrined in national legislation in 1991, this day commemorates workers who have lost their lives or suffered injuries or illnesses on the job. It also serves as a reminder
to renew commitments to workplace health and safety and to prevent future tragedies.
On this day
- attend a Day of Mourning event in your community
- encourage others to attend an event
- draft a message for your organization’s publication or web site
- use digital tools to create online communities, posting meaningful photos and messages
- update your health and safety knowledge through training and webinars
- work with local media to promote and cover the Day’s significance and events
- convince employers and public institutions to among other things lower flags to half-mast
- work with other interested groups to host related events.
On every day
- educate others about health and safety rights, responsibilities and prevention measures
- insist on effective workplace prevention programs developed with full worker participation
- insist on training that supports the identification, assessment and control of workplace hazards
- encourage local media to report on health, safety and environmental issues
- press elected officials to support stronger regulations and better enforcement of existing laws
- create monuments to promote public awareness of workplace health and safety
- host events with similar objectives in mind.