On April 28th all City of Ottawa facilities and sites will lower their flags to half-mast from sunrise to sunset to commemorate the National Day of Mourning. Every April 28, workers, unions, and labor organizations across Canada come together to observe the National Day of Mourning. A day that is dedicated to honoring and remembering those who have lost their lives or suffered from illness or injury due to their work. It is an occasion that serves as a stark reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the ongoing struggle to protect workers’ rights.
The significance of the National Day of Mourning extends beyond remembrance. It serves as a call to action—a reminder of the work that remains to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of all workers. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive workplace safety measures. Initiatives aimed at promoting mental health in the workplace, preventing occupational diseases, and addressing issues like workplace harassment and discrimination have gained momentum. But there is still much work to be done.