Remembering Workers, Families on Day of Mourning
Each year on April 28, the National Day of Mourning honours workers who have lost their lives or suffered injuries due to workplace accidents or work-related illnesses. (Province of Nova Scotia / File)
Every year on April 28, Nova Scotians come together for the National Day of Mourning to honour workers who have lost their lives or suffered injuries due to workplace accidents or work-related illnesses.
The ceremony also serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the actions needed to prevent tragedies.
“Every workplace death is preventable. Today, we come together to honour those who didn’t make it home from work and to recommit to making every workplace safer,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “We encourage all Nova Scotians to take this opportunity to remember, reflect and take action to prevent future fatalities.”
This year’s day of mourning highlights Jamie Lapierre, who died in February 2000 at age 21 while working in the hold of a Port Hawkesbury barge during a maintenance shift. For the Lapierre family, the pain of the loss is made worse knowing that his death could have been prevented. His story is at: https://www.dayofmourning.ns.ca/
Quotes:
“Every year on April 28th, we commemorate those who never made it home from work. Each loss is profound – and for the families and loved ones of someone who died on the job, their grief extends far beyond the day of mourning. It’s an unimaginable sorrow and the reason for WCB’s ongoing commitment to helping prevent these tragedies in the future.”
— Karen Adams, CEO, Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) of Nova Scotia
“On this National Day of Mourning, we remember those we have lost, and we commit to fighting for the living. We call on employers, policymakers and all Nova Scotians to prioritize workplace safety, enforce existing laws and ensure that every worker has the protection they deserve. No job is worth a life. Together, we can prevent more tragedies and create safer workplaces for everyone.”
— Danny Cavanagh, President, Nova Scotia Federation of Labour
Quick Facts:
- the annual day of mourning event in Nova Scotia is led by the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour and is supported by the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia and Threads of Life
- in 2024, 20 Nova Scotians died at work or because of their work, including seven acute traumatic injuries and 13 chronic injury fatalities
- chronic injuries include cardiac issues, stroke, occupational diseases and other exposures
Additional Resources:
National Day of Mourning ceremonies in Nova Scotia: https://dayofmourning.ns.ca/about
Information about the investigation process for workplace accidents: https://novascotia.ca/workplace-accidents-and-fatalities-investigation-process/
WCB Nova Scotia: https://www.wcb.ns.ca/
Nova Scotia Federation of Labour: https://nslabour.ca/
Threads of Life: https://threadsoflife.ca/