The Origins of April 28^th as the Day of Mourning

At the 1984 Convention of the Canadian Labour Congress a resolution was adopted that declared April 28^th as a “National Day of Mourning” to honour those workers who had been killed, injured or disabled on the job, or who suffer from occupational diseases. April 28^th was chosen because on that day in 1914 Ontario proclaimed the first comprehensive Workers Compensation Act in Canada.

The idea caught on as labour organizations around the world adopted April 28^th as a “Day of Mourning.” Today more than 100 countries recognize April 28^th, although many refer to it as “Workers Memorial Day.” The day is acknowledged by the International Labour Organization, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions and the American Federation of Labour.

The Canadian labour movement lobbied for legislation to identify “April 28^th” as a “National Day of Mourning.” Their efforts were rewarded in February 1991, when the Federal Parliament passed the “Workers Mourning Day Act” (Bill C-223). In 2000, the New Brunswick legislature passed a similar legislation. Both of these Acts recognize April 28^th as a day of national observance.

Since the adoption of April 28^th as a Day of Mourning, “April 28^th Day of Mourning Monuments” have become some of the most prominent “Labour Landmarks” in Canada. New Brunswick currently has seven such monuments. They are located in Atholville, Bathurst, Edmundston, Miramichi, Moncton, Saint John and Shippagan. www.lhtnb.ca

On April 28^th, the Canadian flag on Parliament Hill will fly at half-mast. Workers light candles, don ribbons and black armbands. Wreaths are laid at the foot of the monuments and a moment of silence is observed. Businesses and politicians are asked to participate and to do their utmost to prevent workplace deaths, injuries and illnesses.

The April 28^th Monuments are often inscribed with the words” Fight for the Living, Mourn of the Dead: It is a day to honour the dead, but also a day that reminds us of the need to protect the living.

Labour Exhibit Center.ca

Each year CUPE 894 assembles an April 18^th display to mark the day and renew our commitment to a safer work place. The Group Health Centre flies the yellow Day of Mourning Flag at half-mast.

Our flag and displays were made possible by the generous donations from ONA, Group Health Centre and the Algoma District Medical Group, and the volunteers from our local that helped sew the canaries and set up the displays.

Please take a moment this April 28^th to stand in silence in honour to those have lost their life due to an “at work” injury or occupational disease.