International Day of Mourning - April 28
Every year, hundreds of Albertans, thousands of Canadians, and millions of workers worldwide are killed because of work. Every single one of those deaths was preventable.
To make sure their deaths are not forgotten, workers around the world have chosen April 28 as Day of Mourning. It is a chance to remember lost and injured co-workers, friends and family. It is also a day to renew our commitment to fighting for safer workplaces, so that no more workers need to make the ultimate sacrifice.
History
Day of Mourning actually began in Canada, in 1984, by the Canadian labour movement. April 28 was chosen because that was the date in 1914 when the first comprehensive workers' compensation act was passed.
In 1991, the Government of Canada officially proclaimed the day as National Day of Mourning, due to the lobbying efforts of Canadian unions and the NDP.
In 1996, it became the International Day of Mourning and now over 70 countries participate in remembering fallen workers.
Day of Mourning in Alberta
In communities and workplaces across the province, workers commemorate Day of Mourning with events, moments of silence and other actions. Check back here as Day of Mourning approaches to find out about events near you.
The AFL has compiled the total number of workplace deaths in Alberta's 102 year history. We have killed almost 9,500 workers in that time span - most in the most recent 40 years.
- A Summary of Alberta's Safety History
- Chart Totalling Every Workplace Fatality 1905-2006
- 2007 Day of Mourning Background Information
Day of Mourning Resources
- Latest Alberta Fatality Statistics
- Canadian Labour Congress Day of Mourning page
