National Day of Mourning Sunday for lives lost on the job in Oshawa and around the country

The City of Oshawa will join communities and organizations in Durham Region and around the country in observing National Day of Mourning this Sunday to remember those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness in the workplace.

On Sunday, April 28 at 11 a.m. at City Hall (North Parkette), the City will honour workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job. The Day of Mourning Flag at City Hall will be lowered and flags will fly at half-mast at all City facilities.

“The National Day of Mourning is a time to honour those who have been injured or lost their lives on the job. It’s also a reminder to collectively renew our commitment to health and safety in the workplace,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter.

The declaration of April 28 as the Day of Mourning began in Canada in 1991. Today, the Day of Mourning has spread to more than 100 countries around the world and is also recognized as Workers’ Memorial Day and as International Workers’ Memorial Day.

Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada statistics show there are nearly a thousand workplace fatalities in Canada every year. In 2022 those numbers included 33 young workers aged 15-24.

Add to these fatalities the 348,747 accepted claims for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 40,203 from workers aged 15-24, and the fact these statistics only include what is reported and accepted by the compensation boards, the total number of workers impacted is likely even greater.

Employers and workers observe Day of Mourning in a variety of ways. Some light candles, lay wreaths, wear commemorative pins, ribbons or black armbands, and pause for a moment of silence.

For more information on National Day of Mourning, visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety website.