Today marks the National Day of Mourning.

Each year on April 28 we pay our respects to, & remember, the thousands of workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness as a result of work-related incidents.

Flags at our Admin Centre are flying at half-mast this weekend to commemorate the #NationalDayofMourning pic.twitter.com/kd2SnFQ2zZ

— County of Simcoe (@simcoecounty) April 28, 2019

The day is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, or suffered injury or illness on the job or due to a work-related tragedy.

Today is the WSIB Day of Mourning. #Georgina honours all the workers who have died, been injured or suffered illness at work. #DayofMourning. For more information: https://t.co/xiUyfGArb6 pic.twitter.com/4vSmtb27cG

— Town of Georgina (@georginatown) April 28, 2019

The Canadian flag will fly at half-staff on Parliament Hill and on all federal government buildings.

Today is the #NationalDayofMourning to pay our respects to the thousands of workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness as a result of work-related incidents.

Flags at our schools & facilities are flying at half-mast this weekend. Details: https://t.co/ktQY5VLIMx

— Simcoe County DSB (@SCDSB_Schools) April 28, 2019

Employers and workers will 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 at 11:00 a.m.

Please note that on Sun Apr 28th, Flags will be flown at half-mast for one day in recognition of Workers Day of Mourning. This is a day of mourning for persons killed, injured or those who suffered disease as a result of work-related incidents.

— Town of Huntsville (@townhuntsville) April 26, 2019

The Statistics

• In 2017 951 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada, an increase of 46 from the previous year (source: Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada)
• Among these deaths were 23 young workers aged 15-24. Beyond the Statistics (source: AWCBC)
• 251,508 accepted claims (an increase from 241,508 the previous year) for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 31,441 from workers aged 15-24

In 2018, 228 people died as a result of a work-related injury or illness in Ontario. Today, on the National #DayofMourning we remember. So what happened to them, never happens again. pic.twitter.com/GM3y4ypG7u

— WSIB (@WSIB) April 28, 2019

History

• The day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1983
• In 1991, the Parliament of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act making April 28th an official Day of Mourning
• The Day of Mourning has since spread to more than 100 countries around the world and is recognized as Workers’ Memorial Day, and as International Workers’ Memorial Day by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)

Every year millions of Ontarians go to work. And every year, too many of them never make the commute home. April 28 marks the National #DayofMourning. A day dedicated to remembering those who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace. pic.twitter.com/wrsJeCNUCR

— WSIB (@WSIB) April 28, 2019

Every year, hundreds of workers in Ontario are killed in the workplace, or die from a work-related illness or injury.

On the Day of Mourning, we honour the memories of all workers killed or injured — and commit to continuing to fight for the rights & protections of the living. pic.twitter.com/l1BVJsDH1s

— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) April 28, 2019

Everybody deserves a safe workplace, free from violence and harassment. Today, we remember those killed or injured on the job and honour them by working to build safer & healthier workplaces for everyone. #DayofMourning https://t.co/rOKqZbOTSG

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 28, 2019