WORKPLACE FATALITIES AND INJURIES

For workers, the biggest takeaway from the 2026 National Report on Workplace Fatalities and Injuries is this: Saskatchewan continues to rank among the most dangerous provinces in Canada for workers when it comes to traumatic workplace deaths.

While we have taken the liberty to summarize the report below, the link to the full report can be found here:

 According to the report, Saskatchewan had the highest five-year average injury fatality rate of any province with more than 100,000 workers, sitting at 4.1 deaths per 100,000 workers between 2020 and 2024. Only the Northwest Territories and Nunavut ranked worse overall, but those jurisdictions have much smaller workforces. By comparison, Ontario’s rate was just 1.5, Quebec’s was 1.6, and British Columbia’s was 2.7.

That means Saskatchewan workers are dying from workplace injuries at roughly double the rate of workers in Ontario and Quebec. For workers in heavy industry, energy, refining, mining, transportation, construction, and agriculture, those numbers are not abstract statistics — they reflect the reality of working in industries where one mistake, shortcut, staffing issue, equipment failure, or production pressure can permanently change lives.

The report also showed Saskatchewan recorded 18 injury-related workplace deaths in 2024 alone, along with 9 occupational disease deaths and more than 8,100 accepted lost-time injury claims. While Saskatchewan’s injury fatality rate dipped slightly in 2024 compared to recent years, the province still remains near the top nationally over the longer trend line.

One area where Saskatchewan compares somewhat better is occupational disease fatalities. Saskatchewan’s five-year occupational disease fatality rate was 3.3 deaths per 100,000 workers, lower than Alberta (5.1), Ontario (4.7), and especially Newfoundland and Labrador (7.9). The report notes Saskatchewan also saw a 22% decline in occupational disease fatality rates when comparing recent three-year averages.

However, the report warns strongly that occupational diseases are massively under-reported across Canada. Researchers estimate the true number of work-related deaths may actually be far higher than official compensation data shows because many cancers, lung diseases, chemical exposures, and long-term illnesses are never properly connected to workplace exposure. For refinery workers, that matters. Exposure issues involving asbestos, hydrocarbons, silica, benzene, chemicals, and airborne contaminants can take years or decades to appear.

The report also points out that injury statistics do not always tell the full story because employers increasingly rely on modified duties and accommodation programs that reduce “lost-time” claims without necessarily reducing the number of injuries themselves. Saskatchewan’s lost-time injury rate has improved over the last decade, dropping from over 3 injuries per 100 workers in 2010 to 1.76 in 2024. But lower claim numbers do not automatically mean safer workplaces.

From the Union's perspective, the report reinforces why strong health and safety language, proper staffing levels, joint safety committees, adequate training, refusal rights, and enforcement matter. It also highlights why workers must continue reporting injuries, hazards, and exposures even when there may be pressure not to. The report specifically discusses under-reporting and claim suppression as ongoing national problems.

The reality is that Saskatchewan workers continue to face higher risks than workers in much of Canada. Behind every statistic is a worker who did not come home, a family forever changed, and co-workers left carrying the impact. That is not something to normalize or accept. 

The above is summarized from the following source: "2026 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates in Canada" by Sean Tucker and Anya Keefe.

HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS

In Regina, hundreds of men, women, and children experience homelessness on any given night.

As members of Unifor Local 594, we believe strong communities are built when working people stand together, not only in our workplaces, but in our neighbourhoods as well. That’s why, when the opportunity presented itself to take part in the first-ever Hockey Helps the Homeless Tournament in Regina on April 24, 2026, we jumped at the chance to help raise awareness and raise funds for Carmichael Outreach.

For decades, Carmichael Outreach has been on the front lines in Regina, providing vital support to individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. Through services like health care, food security programs, harm reduction, and housing support, Carmichael Outreach helps some of our community’s most vulnerable neighbours find stability, dignity, and hope.

At Unifor 594, solidarity means looking out for one another and supporting those facing the toughest challenges. Homelessness can happen for many reasons: rising housing costs, mental health struggles, job loss, or family crisis, and addressing it requires compassion, resources, and community action.

Hockey Helps the Homeless brings communities together through Canada’s game to support organizations working on real solutions. With your support, funds raised through the tournament will help Carmichael Outreach continue its critical work right here in Regina.

The one-day tournament was a tremendous financial success, raising $131,509.09 for Carmichael Outreach in Regina. That includes $13,602.76 raised by the Unifor 594 team. Not only do we want to thank all those who gave generously to our players for this great cause, but also Unifor National & the Prairie Regional Council, which donated a combined $2000 to help push our team into third place for donations among the nine participating teams!

The on-ice action was just as impressive! After a fast-paced, competitive 4-3 loss in our first game to Scotia Wealth Management, the boys cruised to 8-0 and 5-2 wins over BMO and Thrive Wealth Management, respectively. It was an incredible solidarity-building experience for our skaters with the common goal of giving back and the love of the game.

We look forward to making this an annual event and continuing to build our relationship with the community and supporting those who need it the most!

To learn more about Carmichael Outreach and the amazing work they do, please visit: https://carmichaeloutreach.ca/

In Solidarity, Richard Exner