Nova Scotians are gathering today, April 28, to mark the National Day of Mourning, honouring workers who have lost their lives or suffered injuries due to workplace accidents or work-related illnesses.
The ceremonies are also a time to reflect on the critical importance of workplace safety and the shared responsibility in preventing future tragedies.
“We encourage all Nova Scotians to use this day for remembrance, reflection and action. Today, we come together to pay tribute to those who have died or been injured on the job, knowing every workplace death is an unimaginable loss,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “To all grieving these losses, my heartfelt condolences go out to you. We are partnering with stakeholders to recommit to safer workplaces and ensure everyone returns home safely after work.”
This year’s day of mourning highlights Skyler Blackie, a professional firefighter who was 28 when he died in March 2019 when a faulty expired fire extinguisher exploded during a live training exercise at the Nova Scotia Firefighters School. His family remembers him for the life he lived, the love he gave and the impact he left on those who knew and loved him. His story is at: https://dayofmourning.ns.ca/stories
Additional Resources:
National Day of Mourning ceremonies in Nova Scotia: https://dayofmourning.ns.ca/about
Safer Workplaces Together – A Strategic Framework for Workplace Injury Prevention in Nova Scotia: https://www.wcb.ns.ca/sites/default/files/2025-11/WCB-Safer-Workplaces-Together-Report.pdf
Information about the investigation process for workplace accidents: https://novascotia.ca/workplace-accidents-and-fatalities-investigation-process/
Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia: https://www.wcb.ns.ca/
Nova Scotia Federation of Labour: https://nslabour.ca/
Threads of Life: https://threadsoflife.ca/