National Grief and Bereavement Day 

Grief and bereavement are universal human experiences, yet many people continue to face them without the understanding, support, and resources they need. While these experiences touch individuals, families, workplaces, schools, and communities across Canada, access to grief support remains inconsistent, and conversations about loss are often avoided or misunderstood. 

The 2026 theme, “Shine a Light on Grief Support in Canada,” is a call to bring greater visibility to the realities of grief and the importance of compassionate support. It recognizes that grief is a natural part of life and that everyone deserves access to understanding, connection, support, and appropriate resources when navigating loss. 

At the same time, this theme provides an opportunity to highlight promising practices, celebrate the work of organizations, communities, and individuals who support those who are grieving, and raise public awareness of the vital role grief support plays in individual and community well-being. 

Through Shine a Light on Grief Support in Canada, we call on policymakers, health systems, workplaces, educators, community organizations, and individuals to recognize grief as a significant public health and social issue and to invest in the supports needed to address it. Together, we can reduce stigma, improve understanding, expand access to support services, and build more compassionate communities where no one has to navigate grief alone.

Grief is the natural response to loss. While it is often associated with the death of someone we care about, grief can also arise from other significant losses, including changes in health, relationships, employment, identity, or life circumstances. It can affect our emotions, thoughts, physical well-being, and daily life. For many people, grief may begin even before a death occurs as they anticipate the loss of someone they love. 

How grief may be experienced: 

Emotions: Sadness, anger, anxiety, guilt, relief, numbness, or a mixture of feelings that can change from moment to moment. 

Mind: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, confusion, or racing thoughts. 

Body: Changes in sleep, fatigue, aches and pains, changes in appetite, or feeling physically drained. 

Grief is personal 

• Two people can experience the same loss in very different ways. 

• What feels comforting one day may not feel helpful the next. 

• What supports one person may not be the right support for someone else. 

There is no single “right” way to grieve, and there is no set timeline for grief. However your grief looks, it is real, valid, and deserving of compassion. Everyone deserves the time, understanding, and support they need to navigate loss in a way that is right for them, without pressure to “move on” by a certain point. 

Get involved in the 2026 Grief and Bereavement Day campaign by downloading the Campaign Kit. Whether you are an individual, workplace, school, healthcare organization, or community group, the kit provides ready-to-use tools to help raise awareness and spark conversations about grief and bereavement. 

Resources include social media graphics, images, posters, virtual meeting backgrounds, email headers, templates, digital badges, and a curated collections of grief and bereavement resources

Show your support for grief and bereavement care by downloading and displaying a “Shine a Light” badge on November 17th.  The printable version can be worn throughout the day. Add it to your name badge holder, attach it to a lanyard, pin it to your clothing, or display it on your desk!  The digital version is perfect for sharing on social media or adding to your online profiles to help raise awareness and show your support. 

Join individuals, organizations, and communities across Canada in shining a light on grief and bereavement support.

Get involved this National Grief and Bereavement Day by contacting your elected officials and encouraging them to recognize grief and bereavement as a public health issue. Ask them to support increased investment in grief and bereavement services, public education, and community-based supports for people experiencing grief and bereavement in Canada.

Visit our Grief and Bereavement Resource Repository. A collection of useful links and resources to help you and your loved ones cope with grief.