'No more excuses, protect workers, support families, and enforce the law'
On the National Day of Mourning held earlier this week, Canadian unions renewed calls for employers and governments to improve workplace practices and legislation to ensure worker safety.
“This day is a reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and safety in every workplace,” said Unifor. “It encourages reflection, remembrance, and engagement on our shared commitment to preventing future tragedies by creating safer working environments for all.”
More than 1,000 workers die each year in Canada due to workplace injuries and occupational diseases, the union noted.
“However, the true toll is far greater. Many incidents go unreported or are not acknowledged by compensation systems, leaving countless cases of work-related harm invisible and unaddressed,” it said.
In 2023 alone, Canada saw 1,057 accepted workplace fatalities and over 274,000 accepted lost-time injury claims, according to the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).
“This isn’t just about accidents—it’s about systemic failures,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC. “When corners are cut, when regulations are ignored or under-enforced, and when profits are prioritized over people, workers pay the price.”
“The Westray Law exists to hold employers criminally accountable for workplace deaths caused by negligence. But without consistent enforcement, its power is limited,” she added. “A worker’s life is not a business expense.”
Since the Westray amendments to the Criminal Code came into effect in 2004, there have been only 27 criminal prosecutions brought against employers, and only 12 convictions obtained – “and not for lack of tragedy,” said Marty Warren, national director for Canada, along with other United Steelworkers Union officials in a press release.
“Clearly, the law is neither properly nor consistently applied. This must change.”
Canadians marked the National Day of Mourning on Monday.
‘No more excuses’
Now, Canadian workers’ unions are governments to put prime focus on worker safety.
“The United Steelworkers union and our many allies renew our call for our governments to take decisive actions and dedicate greater resources to ensure rigorous enforcement of the Westray Law,” said Warren. “Every workplace death or serious injury must be investigated for criminal negligence. It’s time to break the cycle of impunity and uphold fundamental workplace health and safety rights.”
“No more excuses, protect workers, support families, and enforce the law,” said the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL).
The group is calling for governments to take urgent action to protect workers by:
- Enforcing the Westray Law and conducting criminal investigations into workplace deaths
- Expanding public awareness of invisible injuries and risks, especially in high-hazard industries
- Strengthening health and safety regulations, including air quality standards and WHMIS education
- Ensuring comprehensive coverage for all workplace injuries, including chronic and mental health conditions
- Removing barriers to unionization
