Vancouver Island will be holding multiple Day of Mourning events to remember and honour those who have been injured or lost their lives due to workplace tragedy.
On Sunday, April 28, the Canadian flag will fly at half-mast on federal government buildings to observe the day, and some will light candles, lay wreaths, wear commemorative pins, ribbons or black armbands and pause for a moment of silence.
According to the association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, in 2022 there were 993 workplace fatalities recorded across the country and among those deaths were 33 workers aged 15 to 24.
The event held around Vancouver Island are:
- Lake Cowichan - Forest Workers Memorial Park at 10 a.m.;
- Nanaimo - Pioneer Plaza at 12:30 p.m.;
- Parksville - Parksville Beach at 5 p.m.;
- Port Alberni - United Steelworkers Hall at 10 a.m.;
- Victoria - Camosun College at the Day of Mourning plaque at 11:30 a.m.
Campbell River held their event on Thursday, April 25, while Courtenay did on Friday, April 26.
In 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress, the Parliament of Canada passed the workers mourning day act, making April 28 an official Day of Mourning, which is now recognized in over 100 countries.
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