This Thursday, April 28th is the Day of Mourning, a day set aside to honour the memory of workers who have been injured or killed on the job. On this day, and throughout the year, Islanders are encouraged to remember those we have lost and those affected by workplace tragedy by raising awareness of workplace safety.

The Prince Edward Island Federation of Labour will be hosting the annual Day of Mourning Ceremony at 7pm on Thursday, April 28. The Ceremony is open to the public and will be held at Memorial Hall in the Confederation Centre in Charlottetown and will be followed by a public reception.

“It’s a solemn day and our deepest condolences and thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of those who have lost someone through a workplace tragedy,” said Stuart Affleck, Workers Compensation Board Chair. “In their memory, we must commit to working together to make safety and prevention top priority and to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses.”

The Day of Mourning was first recognized in Canada in 1984, and since then has been commemorated in over 100 countries worldwide. 

“On this day, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives on the job,” states Carl Pursey, President, PEI Federation of Labour. “We will come together to honour their memory, mourn their loss and dedicate ourselves to improve workplace health and safety.”

Islanders may also mark the day by lowering workplace flags at half-mast, observing a moment of silence or wearing a Day of Mourning lapel sticker available from the Workers Compensation Board at 14 Weymouth Street in Charlottetown.