Workers, Families Honoured on Day of Mourning

Nova Scotians are gathering today, April 28, to mark the National Day of Mourning, honouring workers who have lost their lives or suffered injuries due to workplace accidents or work-related illnesses.

The ceremonies are also a time to reflect on the critical importance of workplace safety and the shared responsibility in preventing future tragedies.

“We encourage all Nova Scotians to use this day for remembrance, reflection and action. Today, we come together to pay tribute to those who have died or been injured on the job, knowing every workplace death is an unimaginable loss,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “To all grieving these losses, my heartfelt condolences go out to you. We are partnering with stakeholders to recommit to safer workplaces and ensure everyone returns home safely after work.”

This year’s day of mourning highlights Skyler Blackie, a professional firefighter who was 28 when he died in March 2019 when a faulty expired fire extinguisher exploded during a live training exercise at the Nova Scotia Firefighters School. His family remembers him for the life he lived, the love he gave and the impact he left on those who knew and loved him. His story is at: https://dayofmourning.ns.ca/stories

Quotes:

“On this day of mourning, we pause to honour the lives of workers who have died because of their work, and to remember the families and communities who continue to feel that loss. Their stories remind us why this work matters. We remain committed to strengthening prevention, supporting safer workplaces, and working alongside our partners across the province so that more people return home safely each day.”
— Karen Adams, CEO, Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia

“Every workplace death is one too many. Each year on April 28, we gather to mourn those lost too soon and to acknowledge the unimaginable grief borne by those they leave behind. On this day, we recommit to fight for the living and for a Nova Scotia free of workplace deaths. Employers, elected officials and all Nova Scotians have a role to play in prioritizing workplace safety, enforcing existing laws and ensuring that every worker is protected on the job.”
— Melissa Marsman, President, Nova Scotia Federation of Labour

Quick Facts:

• the annual day of mourning awareness in Nova Scotia is led by the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour and supported by the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia and Threads of Life, a Canadian charity committed to supporting people affected by workplace injury, illness or death and preventing future tragedies from occurring
• in 2025, 22 Nova Scotians died at work or because of their work; there were seven acute traumatic injuries and 15 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

Safer Workplaces Together – A Strategic Framework for Workplace Injury Prevention in Nova Scotia: https://www.wcb.ns.ca/sites/default/files/2025-11/WCB-Safer-Workplaces-Together-Report.pdf

Information about the investigation process for workplace accidents: https://novascotia.ca/workplace-accidents-and-fatalities-investigation-process/

Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia: https://www.wcb.ns.ca/

Nova Scotia Federation of Labour: https://nslabour.ca/

Threads of Life: https://threadsoflife.ca/

Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way.