Day of Mourning 2023

DAY OF MOURNING

Woodbridge Memorial Area

     On April 28, 2023 the HARBRIDGE + CROSS Health & Safety department alongside local trade unions, workers’ rights activists and local government participated in the annual National Day of Mourning at the Woodbridge Memorial Arena. The goal of this event is to honour and pay tribute all those mem, women and young adults that lost their lives due to workplace accident.

“The National Day of Mourning is not only a day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy, but also a day to collectively review our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace”.

     During the event many speeches and testimonials were given by members of the community addressing how the loss of a loved one has impacted their lives and family. Each voice calling for government, business and labour groups to step and put an end to workplace deaths by adopting a strong culture of health and safety. 

In 2022, more than 64 workers died on the job in Ontario and 2,685 were critically injured. Most of these workers were between 15 to 24 years of age. More than 251, 000 workers are reported to have filed for work related injury or disease, with many more going un reported. WSIB Annual Report.

     The Woodbridge Memorial Area is a fitting location to host the Day of Mourning as the statues at the center depicts a fallen worker being helped by another worker. The statues are beside a concrete column that resemble a bridge under construction that is collapsing.

     The Woodbridge Memorial was designed by architectural firm Nino Rico Architect Inc.

     In 1984, the Canadian Labour Congress established April 28th as the National Day of Mourning in Canada to remember and honour those who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace. The date was chosen in 1984, when the Canadian Labour Congress proclaimed the day to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the day the first Ontario Worker’s Compensation Act was approved by the government (1914).

     The Day of Mourning was enshrined in national legislation by an Act of Parliament on February 1, 1991.

     At HARBRIDGE + CROSS we are committee to Health & Safety and recognize that all workers have a right and an expectation to come home safely after a meaningful day of work.