Honouring those who have suffered a workplace tragedy

Each year on April 28, the Canadian flag flies half-mast across the country for the National Day of Mourning. 

The day not only remembers those who have suffered from work-related tragedy, but it is also a time to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and eliminate illness and deaths in the workplace. Injuries and deaths continue to be a concern across Canada, with 951 workplace fatalities recorded in 2017, an increase of 46 from 2016.

After the passing of the Workers Mourning Day Act, April 28, 1991, became the first official Canada-wide Day of Mourning. Today, it is honoured in more than 100 countries around the world.

Threads of Life is a national charitable organization dedicated to supporting families affected by workplace tragedy – currently, they support more than 2,800 family members from across the country. Their annual flagship fundraiser Steps for Life is held in over 30 locations across Canada and raises funds for peer support programs and services while promoting workplace injury prevention.

The Steps for Life fundraising walk will take place in Winnipeg on Sunday, May 5, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Kildonan Park, 2015 Main Street.

For more information and how you can take part visit www.stepsforlife.ca.

If you would like to learn more about the Day of Mourning or how you can spread awareness of workplace safety, check out the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.