As a union member who’s been deeply committed to health and safety activism, April 28 is always a heavy day. It’s not just a date on the calendar—it’s a powerful reminder of the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the ongoing fight to make sure no one has to go to work fearing they won’t make it home.
The National Day of Mourning became an official observance in Canada in December 1990, and the first national event was held the following April. Since then, every year on April 28, workers across the country come together to honour those who have been killed, injured, or made ill by workplace hazards. But this day isn’t only about remembrance—it’s also a call to action. It’s about recommitting ourselves to the fight for safer workplaces and stronger protections.
In 2024, WorkSafeBC reported 195 fatality claims. Of those, 146 were accepted as workplace-related. But we know that number doesn’t tell the full story. Too many injuries, illnesses, and deaths—especially those related to mental health or suicide—go unreported or are not recognized as work-related. Many workers, or their families, don’t file claims simply because they don’t know their rights. And that’s heartbreaking.
What’s more, the number of claims being challenged or reviewed is on the rise—nearly 17,000 claims were reviewed last year alone. That’s a clear sign that too many workers are being denied the support they deserve. Mental health and personal injury claims have seen a 4% increase, and we know that number is likely to keep climbing. We need to be supporting workers—not putting up more barriers.
This is why our role as union activists is so crucial. We need to keep pushing—not just for safer workplaces, but also for better education and awareness. Every worker should know their rights, feel empowered to report hazards, and have the backing of a union that will stand with them when things go wrong.
Workplace injuries and fatalities don’t just affect the individual—they ripple out and affect families, friends, coworkers, and entire communities. The trauma and grief are long-lasting. As we honour those we’ve lost, we also need to take care of each other—and ourselves.
Yes, we’ve made progress over the years. But people are still getting hurt. People are still dying. And that’s unacceptable. We must remain vigilant. Employers must be held accountable. Health and safety can’t just be a box to check—it needs to be at the core of every workplace.
So this April 28, I invite you to pause and remember. To think of the lives lost, the families impacted, and the battles still ahead. But more than anything, I ask you to renew your commitment—to stand up, speak out, and fight for a world where no one has to sacrifice their health or life for a paycheck.
We owe it to those we’ve lost. We owe it to each other.
In solidarity,
Tracy Arrowsmith
PSAC BC Health and Safety Coordinator and BRUSH Committee Chair
Day of Mourning Events Across BC
Every year on April 28, people across the country gather at events to remember and honour those who have lost their lives, been injured, or become ill because of workplace incidents. These gatherings are also a time to renew our collective commitment to safer, healthier working conditions for all. You can find a list of events taking place throughout BC by visiting the link below.
If you’re not able to attend an event in your community, we encourage you to take a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on April 28 to reflect and honour those affected by workplace tragedies. You may also notice flags at half-mast in your area, including at all federal buildings, as a symbol of remembrance.
Here is a list of events take place across this province this year.