Remembering workers injured or killed on the job
Each year, Canada recognizes the National Day of Mourning on April 28 as a day for employers and employees to remember those who have died, as well those who are injured or stricken by illness on the job.
On this day, Saskatchewan renews its commitment to improve occupational health and safety in the workplace. The Saskatchewan legislature will read the names of those who lost their lives to their work into the Provincial Record. The Canadian Labour Congress inscribes the names in the National Registry in Ottawa.
The Sask Potash Council encourages everyone to take an active role in promoting health and safety as a vibrant part of workplace culture. Take time to recognize those affected by work-related illnesses, injuries and deaths, by looking for ways to improve health and safety in the workplace, observing moments of silence and wearing ribbons or armbands.
In just 2020 alone WorkSafe Saskatchewan recorded 34 workplace deaths.
History behind National Day of Mourning
In 1984, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) began to celebrate Workers’ Memorial Day. On April 28, 1985, the Canadian Labour Congress officially declared it an annual day of national remembrance. In December 1990, the Workers Mourning Day Act passed in Parliament, making April 28 as the annual Canadian National Day of Mourning.
The Day of Mourning has since spread to about 80 countries around the world.
The National Day of Mourning focuses our attention on these workplace tragedies and reminds us that there is more work to do in the area of workplace health and safety.
Join with other Unifor staff and activists for the online commemoration on April 28:
- When: April 28, 7pm ET
- Where: Click here to register.
- Who: Speakers will include Unifor National President Jerry Dias, Unifor Secretary-Treasurer Lana Payne, Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle, Ontario Regional Director Naureen Rizvi, Atlantic Regional Director Linda MacNeil, Assistant to the National President Joie Warnock, Director Health, Safety and Environment Sari Sairanen.
- What: There will be a moment of silence for the lost members, including a video tribute to lost members, and a call to action.
Please mark this time and date in your calendars and register to attend in advance on Zoom.
Download the Day of Mourning Zoom background here.
saskpotashcouncil.ca 
