Day of Mourning 2026

The Day of Mourning (DOM) to recognize workers killed, injured, or experiencing an occupational illness due to work, will soon be upon us. As the labour movement prepares to recognize the DOM on April 28, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) aims to bring focus and attention to ensuring workers have safe workplaces under the following theme: “Psychological Health and Safety is Occupational Health and Safety”. 

Psychological health and safety must be treated with the same level of seriousness as physical health and safety in both legislation and workplace compensation systems. There is also a need to establish a consistent national standard for worker protections, require proactive risk assessments and effective prevention plans in workplaces, and ensure strong enforcement through robust inspections.

There are many events and ceremonies held across Ontario to recognize the DOM.

Please visit the Workers’ Health and Safety Centre (WHSC) site for more information at WHSC – Day of Mourning in Ontario.

As a reminder, in June 2016, legislation was enacted such that all schools, school boards, universities, and others are required to lower the flags to half-mast, as per the Workers Day of Mourning Act. Ensure that your employer is aware of this legislation and will lower the flag(s) to half-mast.

Many OSSTF/FEESO DOM flags were sent to Districts and Bargaining Units around the province in recent years, and we would ask that you fly the flags at local events and post pictures of your local Executives and Members while supporting DOM events and activities.

For more information, please contact Dan Staples at Provincial Office at dan.staples@osstf.ca.