HSAA marks Day of Mourning, calls for stronger workplace protections for health-care workers

Media Releases

EDMONTON – The Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) is marking the National Day of Mourning on April 28 by honouring workers who have been injured, made ill or lost their lives due to workplace incidents, while calling for stronger protections for all workers.

According to the Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board, 144 Albertans died as a result of work-related illness or injury in 2025 — a sobering reminder that behind every statistic is a person whose loss is deeply felt by families, friends, co-workers and communities.

“For HSAA members, this day carries particular weight,” said HSAA President Mike Parker. “On National Day of Mourning, we remember the workers we have lost and stand with everyone affected by workplace harm. It is also a reminder that every worker deserves to be safe at work and return home at the end of the workday.”

HSAA joins unions and advocates across Canada in marking this year’s theme, “Psychological Health and Safety is Occupational Health and Safety”, recognizing the impacts of stress, harassment, burnout and trauma on the psychological health of workers.

Recent data shows that HSAA members face significant physical and psychological risks in their work across the health care system:

  • The disabling injury rate — claims serious enough to require modified duties or time away from work — ranges from about five to nearly 20 injuries per 100 workers across health care, including members working in EMS. Even at the low end, this is 86 per cent higher than the rate in industrial and commercial construction.
  • HSAA’s recent AHS bargaining survey found that one in four members — and more than half of EMS members — experienced workplace violence in the past year.

HSAA Vice-President Leanne Alfaro emphasized that Day of Mourning is a call to action.

“HSAA members know the realities of unsafe work, violence, trauma and psychological strain,” Alfaro said. “We will continue pushing for stronger workplace protections, including safer worksites, better supports and recognition of the impacts this work can have on professionals.”

HSAA will continue working with governments and employers to strengthen workplace protections through improved legislation, stronger collective agreements, safer worksites and increased investment in workers’ physical and mental well-being. HSAA encourages Albertans to attend a Day of Mourning ceremony in their community.

Media Contact:

Renato Gandia (he/him)

Communications Officer
1-844-280-HSAA (4722)

Mobile: 1-403-512-9230
www.hsaa.ca