(Ottawa – April 26, 2019) This April 28, the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) stands solemnly with unions and employee associations across Canada to mark the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job.

It is saddening to note that the most recent statistics from the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) reveal that in 2017, 951 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada, an increase of 46 from the previous year. 

Especially devastating is the fact that among these deaths were 23 young workers aged 15-24.

It is inexcusable that these types of workplace tragedies are not just continuing year-on-year, but even increasing in numbers. The trauma experienced by the friends, family members and co-workers of killed or injured workers is horrendous.

On this Day of Mourning, CAUT urges provincial and federal governments to closely examine why so few employers are held to account in meaningful ways; to invest in training for police and crown prosecutors to enforce workplace safety; and for provincial labour ministries, police forces and other involved authorities to improve collaboration so that workplace deaths can be minimized, and present and future generations of workers protected.