Mourn for the dead, fight for the living
Halifax – Nova Scotians gathered today, April 28, to mark the National Day of Mourning, honouring workers who have lost their lives or suffered injuries due to workplace accidents or work-related illnesses.
The ceremony is also a time to reflect on the critical importance of workplace safety and the shared responsibility in preventing future tragedies.
“Every workplace death is one too many. Each year on April 28, we gather to mourn those lost too soon and to acknowledge the unimaginable grief borne by those they leave behind,” said Melissa Marsman, President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour. “On this day, we recommit to fight for the living, and for a Nova Scotia free of workplace deaths. Employers, elected officials, and all Nova Scotians have a role to play in prioritizing workplace safety, enforcing existing laws, and ensuring that every worker is protected on the job.”
This year’s day of mourning highlights Skyler Blackie, a professional firefighter who was 28 when he died in March 2019 when a faulty, expired fire extinguisher exploded during a live training exercise at the Nova Scotia Firefighters School. His family remembers him for the life he lived, the love he gave and the impact he left on those who knew and loved him. His story is at: https://dayofmourning.ns.ca/stories
Quick Facts:
– the annual day of mourning event in Nova Scotia is led by the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour and is supported by the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia and Threads of Life
– in 2025, 22 Nova Scotians died at work or because of their work; there were seven acute traumatic injuries and 15 chronic injury fatalities
– chronic injuries include cardiac issues, stroke, occupational diseases and other exposures
– Threads of Life is a Canadian charity committed to supporting people affected by workplace injury, illness or death, and preventing future tragedies from occurring
Additional Resources:
National Day of Mourning ceremonies in Nova Scotia: https://dayofmourning.ns.ca/about
Safer Workplaces Together – A Strategic Framework for Workplace Injury Prevention in Nova Scotia: https://www.wcb.ns.ca/sites/default/files/2025-11/WCB-Safer-Workplaces-Together-Report.pdf
Information about the investigation process for workplace accidents: https://novascotia.ca/workplace-accidents-and-fatalities-investigation-process/
Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia: https://www.wcb.ns.ca/
Nova Scotia Federation of Labour: https://nslabour.ca/
Threads of Life: https://threadsoflife.ca/
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Media Contact:
David Etherington
Nova Scotia Federation of Labour
Cell: 902-292-7991
Email: david@nslabour.ca
