All flags on our three campuses will be lowered to half-mast on Wednesday April 28 to observe the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job. 

The National Day of Mourning, officially recognized by the federal government in 1991, is held annually on April 28 in approximately 100 countries around the world and was adopted by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations and the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. Today we remember and honour the individuals who died or were injured in a workplace tragedy. 

According to the most recent statistics from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, in 2019, 925 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada. From 1993 to 2019, 24,519 people lost their lives due to workplace incidents. 

The Canadian flag on Parliament Hill will fly at half-mast as well as those of businesses and other organizations across the country. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, communities and individuals are being encouraged by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety to consider holding or supporting a virtual event, or to hold a moment of silence at 11:00 am on April 28. These acts help us appreciate and remember the individuals lost or injured in a workplace tragedy, while also acknowledging the sacrifices of frontline and essential workers who have died or become ill during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The University of Toronto will participate in this National Day of Mourning by lowering the flags in several locations across the three campuses and continue to promote the health and safety of all University community members.