Across Canada, April 28 has been designated the Day of Mourning. Each year, workers, families, employers, and communities across the province remember those who have lost their lives on the job, and we all renew our commitment to creating healthy and safe workplaces.

In 2025, workplace injuries and diseases claimed the lives of 138 workers in British Columbia. Traumatic fatalities accounted for 59 of these deaths: 41 were caused by incidents at worksites and 18 were the result of motor vehicle incidents. Occupational disease remained the single leading cause of death for workers last year, taking 79 lives — 36 due to an asbestos-related illness.

Every injury, disease, or death serves as a powerful reminder that employers have an important responsibility to ensure that all workplaces in B.C. are healthy and safe.

Commemorate the day

Visit dayofmourning.bc.ca for a listing of ceremonies around the province.

This year's provincial Day of Mourning ceremony, led by the BC Federation of Labour, will take place on the steps of the Legislature in Victoria at 12:15 p.m. on April 28. The ceremony will not take place at Jack Poole Plaza in Vancouver, where it has been held in previous years.

Some other ways to commemorate the day include:

• Sending a message to staff re-enforcing your commitment to a healthy and safe workplace and sharing the link to the commemorative video
• Sharing a message on social media
• Ordering a wreath for your office or worksite