Surrey Schools honours fallen workers on Day of Mourning
April 28 marks the International Day of Mourning, an annual day to remember, honour and commemorate workers who have lost their lives to work-related incidents or occupational disease.
In recognition, Surrey and White Rock schools, as well as district buildings, will fly their flags at half-mast, in remembrance of workers who have been killed or injured on the job.
In 2025, 138 workers in B.C. lost their lives to workplace injury or disease.
“On the Day of Mourning, we reflect on the lives lost in workplace tragedies and are reminded of the profound value of every individual,” said Gary Tymoschuk, Chair of the Surrey Board of Education. “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fostering safe learning, teaching and working environments, and prioritizing the health and well-being of all students and staff across the district.”
At the April board meeting, Sheila Raikadroka, an executive board member with the New Westminster & District Labour Council, gave a presentation about the Day of Mourning, emphasizing the inclusion of psychological health and safety as part of occupational health and safety. She noted many workers across the province suffer from poor mental health caused by work-related stress, anxiety, burnout and traumatic events.
“April 28th is a day of remembrance, but it’s also a call to action,” said Raikadroka. “We must ensure that psychological health and safety is included in efforts to make workplaces safer. Safe work must mean safe for both body and mind.”
Today, Day of Mourning ceremonies are being held in Surrey and the following neighbouring communities:
- Surrey: Surrey Main Operations Center, 6651 148th St. at 7:30 a.m.
- Delta: Delta City Hall, 4500 Clarence Taylor Cr. at 10:45 a.m.
- New Westminster: Westminster Pier Park, 1 Sixth St. at 11 a.m.
For more information and ceremony locations, visit Day of Mourning BC or the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
