Each year in Canada, we take April 28 to remember workers we lost to work-related injuries and illnesses? with a National Day of Mourning. Canada was the first country to commemorate this day which is now observed in over 100 countries around the world.

“The WCB’s mission is to provide leadership in building safe and healthy workplaces and support recovery, if an injury occurs,” said Jim MacPhee, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board (WCB). “It also includes supporting families of those who’ve lost their lives because of a work-related injury or illness.”

“Sadly, nine Islanders lost their lives as a result of work-related injuries or illnesses in 2024,” said Dan Campbell, CEO of the WCB. “These workers left behind loved ones, family, friends and coworkers whose lives are now forever changed. We must always remember and honour these workers. At the same time, we must continue working with employers to make sure Island workplaces keep health and safety as a top priority. The reality is that even one workplace fatality is always too many.”

Work-related fatalities are grouped into the following categories.

Acute fatalities – the result of work-related catastrophic events. For example, falls, drownings, impact-related deaths like collisions with motor vehicles, among others.
Chronic fatalities – connected to occupational exposure which result in chronic diseases, work-related cancers or other conditions.

While the overall rate of workplace injuries has been steadily decreasing in Prince Edward Island, the number of recent work-related fatalities is a stark reminder of the importance of ongoing workplace safety efforts.

“On this day, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives on the job. We remember them and mourn their loss,” said Carl Pursey, President of the PEI Federation of Labour. “We must continue to work together now more than ever to make all our workplaces safer so there are no injuries or deaths. More inspections need to be done in all workplaces, to ensure workers know the safety procedures. Heavier fines or penalties for employers not following the rules are needed, for allowing workers to work in an unsafe manner.”

Islanders can show their support on the National Day of Mourning in a number of ways. Please consider:

Displaying a Day of Mourning poster in the workplace
Wearing a Day of Mourning lapel sticker on April 28
Lowering workplace flags at half-mast
Observing a moment of silence
Viewing a video on the Day of Mourning from the Canadian Centre on Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
Attending the ceremony hosted by PEI Federation of Labour:
Day of Mourning Ceremony
7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2024
St. Paul’s Hall, 101 Prince St., Charlottetown

For information on workplace fatality data in Prince Edward Island: https://bit.ly/3vVtDvt

More Info: WCB PEI