Workers, families and community members gathered at the workers memorial plaque at the Terrace Sportsplex to mourn those who have lost their lives on the job.
The event was first commemorated by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984 and was officially recognized nationally in 1991.
Harleigh Hansen, president of the Kitimat-Terrace & District Labour Council, said having a dedicated day like this is critical.
“I feel it’s highly important to get the exposure we need to let people know that there are unsafe workplaces out there that need to be resolved, and acknowledging this day gives us an opportunity to bring that to light to the general public.”
WorkSafeBC reports that 138 people died in British Columbia from work-related accidents in 2025.
That marks a decline from previous years, with 161 deaths recorded in 2021, 181 in 2022, 175 in 2023, and 146 in 2024.
In 2025, 79 deaths were associated with occupational illness, with 36 deaths being connected to asbestos exposure, while there were two deaths among young workers.
Hansen explained that while the figures indicate a downward trend, they don’t necessarily tell the full story.
“We are seeing a decline in the workplace as well, so that can affect the numbers,” she said. “But my hope is that better health and safety regulations are assisting in bringing that number down.”
In British Columbia, there are around 45 memorials to fallen workers, with an annual ceremony being held in various communities across the province.
The provincial Day of Mourning ceremony for 2026 took place at the steps of the legislature in Victoria, BC, where workers in British Columbia stopped to pay tribute to the fallen workers.
