Premier David Eby is marking the National Day of Mourning by honouring workers killed or injured on the job and pledging further action to improve workplace safety across British Columbia. 

In a statement Tuesday, the Premier said that the day serves as a solemn reminder of the human cost of workplace accidents and occupational disease, noting that 138 workers in the province died last year due to job-related incidents or illnesses. 

“Every workplace death is a tragedy, whether from traumatic injury, motor vehicle accident or occupational disease,” Eby said. “It is a sombre day on which we recommit to ending tragedies in the workplace.”

The National Day of Mourning, observed annually on April 28, commemorates workers who have died or been injured on the job and highlights the importance of safe working conditions.

Eby said the province is working with labour groups, industry and safety experts to introduce new crane safety standards following a fatal crane collapse in Kelowna that killed five workers. The premier also pointed to new measures introduced in 2024, when B.C. became the first jurisdiction in Canada to implement a formal asbestos licensing program. 

Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside said the day underscores the need for continued vigilance and accountability.

“When safety standards fall short, workers pay the price,” Whiteside said. “Every worker we remember is deeply missed by their loved ones, and they deserve our commitment and action to ensure that B.C. workplaces are the safest in Canada.”