In 1984, the Canadian Labour Congress designated April 28 as the National Day of Mourning in Canada. Each year, Canadians pause to remember and honour those individuals who have died, been injured, or suffered illness in the workplace.
York University will mark the National Day of Mourning by lowering the flags on its Keele and Glendon campuses to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on April 28.
April 28 was selected because it coincides with Ontario’s first Workers’ Compensation Act, which was approved by government in 1914. The National Day of Mourning in Canada was brought into force on February 1, 1991, by an Act of Parliament. Canadian flags on Parliament Hill and at Queen’s Park will fly at half-mast on April 28.
Injuries and deaths in the workplace continue to be a matter of grave concern across Canada.
“This year we honour the family members of the many who have been deeply affected by the tragedies of the pandemic. We recognize many families have had to deal with the challenge of honouring the lives of people close to them as we are forced to live apart. We stand with them and remember the efforts of their loved ones who have worked tirelessly for over a year to keep us all safe and healthy,” said Vice-President Equity, People and Culture Sheila Cote-Meek. “At all times, and especially in unprecedented times such as during the pandemic, we must remember to work together to prevent injuries and illnesses. We encourage everyone to pause at 11 a.m. on April 28 to observe a moment of silence.”
By lowering its flags to half-mast, York University affirms its commitment to the promotion of health, safety and well-being for all members of the University community and to the provision of a safe and healthy work and learning environment.
To learn more about the day of mourning, where to find support, related activities, and to light a candle in memory of those who have given so much, visit National Day of Mourning on the Health Safety & Employee Well-Being page on yu link.