UPEI observes National Day of Mourning, April 28, 2017
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.
On this day, all levels of government, workplaces, workers, and community members honour the memory, pay respect to, and show support for those who have been adversely affected by serious incidents in workplaces that have resulted in fatalities or life-changing injuries or illnesses. The National Day of Mourning raises awareness and renews the commitment of all parties to ensure safe and healthy workplaces exist to prevent fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. Every worker has the right to return home safe and sound at the end of each workday.
Recent Canadian workers compensation statistics tell us:
- there were 852 workplace deaths including four workers from 15–19 years of age, and eleven workers from 20–24 years of age.
- there were 232,629 claims for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 8,155 from young workers from 15–19 years of age.
These numbers do not include everyone directly affected by these workplace tragedies. Each worker death (and injury/illness) impacts loved ones, families, friends, and co-workers for the rest of their lives.
The PEI Federation of Labour will host a National Day of Mourning Ceremony in Memorial Hall at the Confederation Centre of the Arts beginning at 7:00 pm on April 28, 2017 for those that would like to show their support.
In observance of the National Day of Mourning, the University of Prince Edward Island will lower its flags to half-mast.
