The City of Maple Ridge is observing Tuesday, April 28 as the National Day of Mourning to honour workers killed, injured, or suffered work-related illnesses.
City staff will pause for a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. to reflect on those lost due to workplace incidents and to reaffirm their commitment to prevent future tragedies. Flags at City facilities will be lowered to half-mast, and City Hall will be illuminated in orange to mark the occasion.
“The National Day of Mourning is a time to reflect, remember and recommit to the importance of workplace safety,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “Every worker deserves to return home safely at the end of the day. As a community, we share a responsibility to foster safe workplaces, support one another, and continue learning from the past to prevent future loss.”
According to the most recent available data from WorkSafeBC, workplace fatalities in British Columbia continue to have a significant impact on families and communities, with occupational diseases remaining the leading cause, followed by traumatic incidents and motor vehicle-related events.
The City remains committed to fostering a strong workplace safety culture, supported by its Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee and a comprehensive framework of policies, procedures, and employee training programs.
First recognized by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984 and officially proclaimed by the federal government in 1991, the National Day of Mourning is now observed in over 100 countries worldwide.
The New Westminster & District Labour Council is organizing the 2026 Day of Mourning ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28 at the Westminster Pier Park, 1 Sixth Street, New Westminster. To view the ceremony online or make a dedication to fallen workers or for more information, please visit dayofmourning.bc.ca.
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For additional information, contact
Pardeep Purewal
T 604-467-4319 C 778-955-4249 E Media@MapleRidge.ca