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Following a workplace tragedy, many families would say that every day is a day of mourning. It’s especially true in the early days following a fatality, but the aftermath of a serious injury or an occupational illness, too, are filled with grief at the loss of life, of expectations, of hopes, of an imagined future. On April 28 every year, that individual grief is shared as the broader community joins together to mourn the losses caused by workplace tragedy.
"This is MY Day of Mourning"
Day of Mourning is an important day for Threads of Life family members – a time for private remembrance, but also a time when many choose to share their personal stories in order to honour their loved ones and their own experience, and to help others understand the impact of a death, serious injury or illness caused simply by going to work.

While grief is deeply personal, mourning is the more public expression of loss. Day of Mourning has been observed across Canada and around the world since 1991 when Canada’s Parliament passed the Workers Mourning Day Act, making April 28 an official Day of Mourning. The roots of the day go back even further to the 1980s when Canadian labour unions established a day of remembrance.

For National Day of Mourning 2022, Threads of Life has worked with three family members to capture their personal stories on video, to be shared with other families, partners and supporters. These three stories are examples and symbols of all the many losses experienced by all the other families – watch for them on our social media channels. We will hold a short online ceremony on April 28, a time for all those who have experienced a workplace loss, and all those committed to preventing them, to come together in community. Please register to join us for the ceremony. Those attending the short reflections ceremony will be invited to light a candle and are welcome to share a name in the chat, of someone they are honouring that day.
Volunteers bring heart
National Volunteer Week, this year April 24-30, reminds us how much volunteers contribute to the life and work of our country. At Threads of Life, we hardly need a reminder! Volunteers make all our programs happen, help to provide the funding behind them, and give their time and energy every week of the year. You truly exemplify the Volunteer Week theme of #EmpathyInAction. We will host a volunteer appreciation event online on April 19. You can learn more here about volunteer roles at Threads of Life.
Momentum is building for Steps for Life 2022
It’s almost here! In just a few weeks, #WeWalkTogether in Steps for Life events across Canada. From Vancouver to St. John’s, the excitement is building. Who will be the number one national team and the top individual fundraiser? It’s not too late to get your name on one of those lists! You can still register as a team or individual participant and fundraise to support those affected by work-related tragedy.

Companies and organizations have stepped up in amazing numbers this spring, joining as Steps for Life sponsors at both the national and community level. We are so grateful for their support. Check out your community’s Steps for Life page to see the sponsors in your area, as well as your local top teams and fundraisers.
ICYMI: On the blog
Volunteer Profile: Elaine Mailman | Threads of Life

In Stellarton, Nova Scotia, on January 14, 1952, John Mailman died in a coal mine gas explosion. His son was only 18 months old. The community rallied around his widow, providing support in any way they could, but Elaine Mailman wishes that an...

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What it means to value health and safety on the farm |...

I was helping my husband hook the square baler up to the tractor. I needed to get around on the other side to remove a block from the jack stand.

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