April 27 2026

Observed each year in Canada on April 28, the National Day of Mourning honours workers who have lost their lives, been injured, or become ill because of their work. It is also time to renew our shared commitment to safer workplaces and to prevent future tragedies.

This year, the focus is on workers experiencing burnout, chronic stress, and other work-related mental health challenges, while remembering those lost to psychological harm connected to their jobs. All workplace injuries and deaths are preventable—whether physical or psychological in nature.

Psychological health and safety are fundamental components of occupational health and safety. Injuries affecting mental well-being are just as serious as physical ones. Yet, issues such as stress, burnout, harassment, and workplace violence are still too often minimized or overlooked. These harms are real, preventable, and should never be accepted as “part of the job.”

“Every worker in Canada has the right to a safe workplace,” said Bert Blundon, President of National Union of Public and General Employees. “Employers must address psychosocial risks with the same level of care as physical, ergonomic, and chemical hazards. Psychological injuries deserve the same attention and prevention efforts as any other workplace injury.”

The current situation is concerning. Nearly half of working Canadians report that their job is the most stressful part of their day, and 70% are worried about psychological health and safety in their workplace. In 2023, more than 8,500 workplace mental health injury claims were accepted by compensation boards, particularly in sectors such as health care, education, public services, and trades, though the true number is likely much higher. It is also important to recognize that physical injuries at work can lead to psychological harm, and both must be addressed together.

While psychological health and safety are acknowledged in federal and provincial legislation, and Canada has ratified International Labour Organization Convention 190 on violence and harassment, recognition alone is not sufficient. Workers need meaningful protections, strong prevention measures, and coordinated action from all levels of government.

We are calling on governments across Canada to treat psychological health with the same urgency as physical health in occupational health and safety and workers’ compensation laws; adopt a national approach to psychosocial hazards based on CSA Z1003; require proactive risk assessments and prevention strategies; and ensure robust enforcement through inspections.

“No one should have to compromise their mental health to make a living,” added Blundon. “Employers have a responsibility to protect workers—both physically and psychologically.”