The City of Camrose has officially recognized April 28, 2026, as the Day of Mourning, a time to honour workers who have been killed, injured, or suffered from occupational illnesses due to workplace tragedies. Mayor PJ Stasko issued the proclamation to demonstrate the community’s ongoing commitment to workplace safety and remembrance.
This observance serves as a solemn reminder of the risks workers face across the province. According to the Workers’ Compensation Board of Alberta, 144 workers in Alberta lost their lives in 2025 due to work-related causes. This figure includes 82 deaths resulting from occupational disease, 39 from trauma, and 20 from motor vehicle collisions.
The significance of the day extends beyond Alberta. First established by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984, the date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the first Ontario Workers’ Compensation Act, passed in 1914. In 1991, the federal government officially recognized the day through the Workers Mourning Day Act. Today, the event is observed in over 100 countries as International Workers’ Memorial Day, with coordination from organizations such as the International Labour Organization and the International Trade Union Confederation.
As the community observes this day, labor advocates are highlighting the evolving nature of workplace safety. The Alberta Federation of Labour has emphasized that employers must treat psychosocial hazards, such as stress and harassment, with the same level of seriousness as physical and chemical hazards in the workplace. This ongoing focus on health and safety remains a priority for the City of Camrose as it continues its annual participation in the Day of Mourning.
