On April 28, the National Day of Mourning, the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) honours workers who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness in the workplace. On this solemn day, we remember the families, friends and co-workers dealing with the aftermath of workplace tragedies. 

Physical safety in the workplace is more important than ever for academic staff. The violent attack on a professor and two students at the University of Waterloo last year puts the spotlight on the need for physically safe and secure classrooms, where academic staff and students can explore diverse viewpoints. 

CAUT renews its commitment to push for strong occupational health and safety regulation including mental health and psychological well-being. 

As unions across the country commemorate workers killed or injured on the job, we share their unwavering resolve to protect health and safety as a fundamental right at work. We stand with Canada’s labour movement in pressing employers and governments to help prevent workplace injuries and deaths. 

In 2022, the most recent year for which statistics are available, nearly 1,000 workers in Canada died on the job.