Ontario to build memorial at Queen's Park for workers hurt or killed on the job
· Toronto Sun
OTTAWA — Ontario will soon be getting a memorial for workers killed or injured on the job.
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Announced on Tuesday — the National Day of Mourning to remember and honour those who have died, been injured or suffered illnesses in the workplace — Ontario Labour Minister David Piccini said the memorial will pay tribute to those touched by workplace tragedy.
“This memorial is about honouring the workers who built this province, remembering the families who carry that loss and recognizing the real risks construction workers face every day,” Piccini told the Toronto Sun.
“We are making a permanent statement at Queen’s Park that Ontario will not forget those we have lost and we will keep taking action to protect the nearly 580,000 construction workers still on the job today.”
Construction expected to end next year
Also known as Workers’ Memorial Day, the day is officially recognized by 100 nations around the world.
Alongside the announcement were conceptual drawings for the memorial, consisting of a series of interconnected brass plaques bearing the name of Ontario workers who’ve died or been seriously injured while at work.
New plaques will be added to the memorial annually on April 28.
The memorial will be constructed on the grounds of Queen’s Park, south of the Legislature near the intersection of College St. and University Ave, and is expected to be complete by next year.
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“Today, we join communities across Ontario to remember the workers who have given so much to build our province,” said Premier Doug Ford in a statement.
“For the families and colleagues of workers who lost their lives or were injured on the job, this memorial will serve as a place to honour their sacrifices and stand as a reminder of our duty to make sure workers always come home safely.”
Published this month, the 2026 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates in Canada said 1,042 workers died across Canada in 2024-25 — with 18 alone in the construction sector in 2024.
In Ontario, fatalities from occupational diseases — including cancer from asbestos exposure — outnumber deaths from traumatic injuries.