CUASA Statement on National Day of Mourning

April 28, 2023

CUASA Statement on National Day of Mourning

Today marks the National Day of Mourning, a day where we remember workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job. On this day, we also commit to protecting workers and preventing further workplace tragedies. Ceremonies took place across the country.

The latest available data from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) shows that in 2021, there were 1,081 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada. At least 277,217 workers experienced lost time due to work-related injury or disease (which only accounts for those reported to the compensation boards, the actual number is likely much higher). Although many of such lost time claims occurred in the trades, transport, and equipment operator industries, the AWCBC reports that at least 5,420 workers in professional occupations in education services reported lost time claims in 2021.

CUASA stands in solidarity with workers across industries in the fight for safer work environments. In our own workplace, the Joint Health and Safety Committee works to ensure the health and safety of our campus. If you are on campus and see something that may pose a hazard, we would encourage you to fix it (if you can), or report it to your supervisor, through CUWorksafe or to the Facilities Management and Planning (FMP) Service Centre.

Please join us in lighting a digital candle in recognition of workers, their families, friends, and colleagues. Every worker has the right to return home safely at the end of every work day. Together, we can prevent worker injuries and deaths before they occur.