HALIFAX, NS - WCB Nova Scotia is solemnly observing the annual Day of Mourning today, in honour of Jamie Lapierre and all those who have tragically lost their lives at or because of their work.

In recognition of this day, the flag outside of WCB’s Halifax office will be lowered to half-mast; WCB will be in attendance at a ceremony held outside Province House later this morning.

This year marks 25 years since Jamie’s passing. At just 21 years old in February 2000, Jamie died on the job after working in a confined space off a barge in Port Hawkesbury.

A life cut far too short; dreams, hopes and ambitions left unfulfilled – leaving Jamie’s family and loved ones bereaved and still feeling the pain of his absence for a lifetime to come.

“The Day of Mourning serves to honour the memory of those whose lives were lost on the job. It’s a somber occasion – but the reality is that the pain and grief of families who’ve lost a loved one to a workplace death extends far beyond today,” says WCB CEO Karen Adams. “Behind every workplace tragedy is a story of loss – a family, a community, a team left forever changed. We honour these stories by building safer workplaces.”

In 2024, 20 people in Nova Scotia lost their lives at or because of their work, including seven from acute deaths.Day of Mourning awareness is led by the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour and supported by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, WCB Nova Scotia, and Threads of Life.

To read more about Jamie Lapierre’s story, visit dayofmourning.ns.ca.

Additional Resources

Threads of Life – Canadian registered charity dedicated to supporting people affected by a workplace injury, illness or death.

Nova Scotia 2024 workplace fatalities

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Media Contact

Heather MacLeod, Senior Communications Advisor

media@wcb.ns.ca