In 2025, 138 B.C. workers died from a workplace injury or disease. Each loss has a lasting impact on families, coworkers and communities.
The City of Courtenay will host a public ceremony on Tuesday, April 28 to mark the National Day of Mourning and honour workers who have been killed, injured or made ill due to workplace incidents.
The ceremony will take place from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the Lewis Park outdoor stage. All workers, employers and community members are invited to attend, regardless of their role or place of work.
The event will include remarks from local representatives, a wreath-laying and two minutes of silence. Speakers will include representatives from WorkSafeBC, CUPE Local 556 and local government. Participation from K’ómoks First Nation is anticipated.
Flags at City facilities will be flown at half-mast in recognition of the day.
The National Day of Mourning is observed annually across Canada. It is a time to remember those affected by workplace incidents and to reaffirm a shared commitment to safe and healthy workplaces.
“Every worker deserves to return home safely at the end of the day,” said Kevin Waldal, Occupational Health and Safety Advisor for the City of Courtenay. “The Day of Mourning is a time for our community to come together, remember those we have lost and reaffirm our shared commitment to workplace health and safety.”
More information about Day of Mourning events across British Columbia is available at:
https://dayofmourning.bc.ca/