National Day of Mourning is held annually across Canada on April 28. The event is a time to remember those who have lost their lives or experienced illness or injury while on the job. At Toronto Pearson, we honour this day by reflecting and recommitting ourselves to our goals of zero injuries and preventing workplace tragedies.
Thank you for honouring National Day of Mourning at Pearson
“Together, through collaboration, accountability and innovation, we will continue to build a legacy of safety excellence for generations to come.”
On April 28, workers, leaders and partners across Toronto Pearson came together for a ceremony that honoured those who have lost their lives or experienced illness or injury while on the job. The annual event is an opportunity for workers, leaders and airport partners to recommit to our goal of zero injuries.
The event featured moving words from leaders and workers in safety as well as a musical performance by ALiVE (Pastor Iva Lai, Wayne Lai and Christie Dang).
Speakers included:
- Jennifer Mucha – Manager, Toronto Pearson Safety Program, GTAA
- Mike Garabedian – Senior Airport Chaplain, Toronto Pearson Chapel
- Kath Hammond – VP General Counsel Corporate Safety and Security, GTAA
- Khalil Lamrabet – Chief Operating Officer, Airport Operations, GTAA
- Robert Palmer – Vice President, Safety, Air Canada
- Todd Smith – Chair of the Board, Threads of Life
- Sean Wilson – IAMAW Air Canada Health and Safety Co-Chair for Airports
- Bryan Scott – Director, Corporate Safety & Security GTAA
“On this National Day of Mourning, we come together as one airport family, we fly our flags at half-mast and illuminate our tower in yellow. This solemn gesture is our way of remembering every individual who has been affected by illness, accidents, or fatality in the workplace. We honour not only those who have suffered but also the families whose lives were forever changed by these tragedies.”
Kath Hammond, Vice-President, General Counsel, Corporate Safety and Security
(Pictured from left to right) Todd Smith, Chair of the Board, Threads of Life; Kath Hammond, VP General Counsel Corporate Safety and Security, GTAA; Jennifer Mucha – Manager, Toronto Pearson Safety Program, GTAA; Mike Garabedian, Senior Airport Chaplain, Toronto Pearson Chapel; Bryan Scott – Director, Corporate Safety & Security GTAA.
Attendees from across the airport gather to honour National Day of Mourning.
View and download all photos from this event.
The History of National Day of Mourning
National Day of Mourning was created by the Canadian Labour Congress to honour workers who were injured, became ill or lost a life as a result of their work. In 1991, the Parliament of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act, making April 28 an official Day of Mourning. Since then, it has spread to more than 100 countries around the world and is recognized as Workers’ Memorial Day and as International Workers' Memorial Day by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
Thank you to our Airport Partners
