April 27, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Each year on April 28, we gather in solidarity to observe the National Day of Mourning—a day to remember and honour workers who have been killed, injured, or made ill because of their work. We pause to recognize the human cost of unsafe workplaces and to stand with the families, friends, and co-workers who continue to live with these losses.
Why This Day Matters
The tragic loss of
Captain Antoine Forest (age 30) and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther (age 24) in the Air Canada Express Flight 8646 accident at New York LaGuardia on March 22, 2026, weighs heavily on our hearts. Their lives were cut short following a collision with an airport emergency vehicle during landing—an event that has deeply affected their loved ones, their colleagues, our union family, and the communities they proudly served.
As we remember
Antoine and Mackenzie, we hold their families, friends, and fellow pilots close in our thoughts today and always. Their passing is a solemn reminder that no worker—whether in the air or on the ground—should leave for a shift and not return home. This tragedy reinforces why health, and safety must remain at the forefront of everything we do.
Our Recommitment
The National Day of Mourning is not only about remembrance, but also about recommitment. On this day, we renew our collective promise to:
- Advocate for safer workplaces.
- Report hazards and unsafe conditions.
- Enforce strong health and safety standards.
- Hold employers accountable for their responsibilities.
We Remember. We Mourn. We Commit.
To all who have been touched by these losses, your union stands with you—in grief, in strength, and in solidarity.
Please visit Unifor’s website for the Day of Mourning Statement and additional resources.
In Solidarity,
Sylvie Schmitt
National Health and Safety Coordinator
Adam Guthrie
National Health and Safety Coordinator for Jazz Aviation Customer and Aircraft Services