Day of Mourning

National Day of Mourning 2025: Honouring Lives Lost and Demanding Action

News

Every year on April 28th, we gather to mark the Day of Mourning: a solemn reminder of the workers who lost their lives due to their jobs. In 2024, 203 Albertans died because of workplace incidents. These are not numbers, they are people. And each loss is a devastating reminder that there is always more we can do to protect workers.

Everyone deserves to be safe and healthy at work and to return home at the end of the day.

As health care professionals, HSAA members face extreme stress, trauma, and risk every day. Whether it’s the physical hazards of emergency response or the emotional toll of caring for others in crisis, your work is essential and demanding. It’s why HSAA continues to advocate for presumptive PTSD coverage for all members. No one should have to fight for recognition of the harm caused by doing their job.

The Day of Mourning is not just about remembering those we’ve lost, it’s also a call to action. 

We must demand better from governments and employers. We must push for laws that are enforced, for safer workplaces, and for real investment in both the physical and mental well-being of all workers, especially those on the frontlines of health care.

We encourage all members to attend a local Day of Mourning ceremony in your community. 

Stand in solidarity. Honour the lives lost. And help make sure every worker makes it home.

Day of Mourning Events Near You:

  • Edmonton & District Labour Council
    29th Day of Mourning Ceremony 2025
    Wreath Ceremony & Lunch
    Broken Families Obelisk – Grant Notley Park 11603 Street-100 Avenue
    April 28, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    Contact: Greg Mady, President 780-940-6797
    Website: https://edmontonlabour.ca

     

  • Calgary & District Labour Council
    Day of Mourning
    Wreath Ceremony
    City of Calgary Workers Memorial, Edward Place Park, City Hall (SE corner)
    April 28, 2025, 12:00 p.m.
    Contact: Alex Shevalier, President 403-819-4159
    Website: https://www.thecdlc.ca

 

  • Lethbridge and District Labour Council
    Day of Mourning
    Ceremony
    CUPE Local 70 Workers Memorial Site, Mountain View Cemetery, 1210 Scenic Drive South
    April 28, 2025, 12:00 p.m.

 

  • Medicine Hat & District Labour Council
    Day of Mourning
    Ceremony
    Medicine Hat Memorial Arboretum
    April 28, 2025, 11:00 a.m.

 

  • Red Deer and District Labour Council
    Day of Mourning
    Ceremony, wreath laying
    Bower Ponds Stage, 4715 Fountain Dr, Red Deer, AB T4N 6W4
    April 28, 2025, 11:00 a.m.
    Contact: RDDLC – Kyle Johnston, rddlc1@gmail.com

 

  • Wood Buffalo and District Labour Council
    Day of Mourning
    Ceremony
    Howard Pew Parks – Waterways, Fort McMurray
    April 28, 2025, 11:00 a.m.
    Contact: WBDLC – omer.hussein@hsaa.ca

In solidarity, 

Mike Parker 
President, HSAA

Leanne Alfaro 
Vice-President, HSAA