Every year on April 28, we observe the National Day of Mourning. It is a day dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury, or experienced illness due to their work.

As members of the Union of Health and Environment Workers, we know first-hand that workplace safety is not just a policy—it is a lifeline. Whether working in labs, field sites, or healthcare facilities, every worker deserves to return home safe and healthy at the end of their shift.

On this day, we renew our commitment to “Mourn for the Dead, and Fight for the Living.” We must continue to advocate for stronger protections and more rigorous enforcement of safety standards across all our sectors.

Join the Movement

To learn more about the history of this day and how you can take action to improve workplace safety across Canada, please visit https://canadianlabour.ca/events/day-of-mourning-ceremonies-2026/

Let us stand together in solidarity to ensure no more families have to grieve a preventable loss.

Marc Blanchard
National Vice President
Union of Health & Environment Workers (UHEW)
marc.blanchard@uhew-stse.ca