Spring Into Safety: Will Power— Preparing for What We Can’t Prevent
April 28th is Canada’s National Day of Mourning for those who have suffered illness, jury or fatalities in the workplace.
April 28th: A Hard Day For Those With Hard Hats
Today is April 28th — the National Day of Mourning for workers who have been killed, injured, or made seriously ill on the job.
It’s a tough day.
And it lands right as spring gets underway.
Snow melts. Jobs ramp up. Life comes back online after winter.
That contrast matters. It reminds us that the beginning of something new is often the perfect time to consider the end—and plan ahead.
Most of what we take from today are lessons in prevention and responsibility—PPE, better protocols, corporate accountability, and stronger safety systems.
But sometimes the lessons are harsher: accidents happen.
We can do everything right—and our systems can still fail.
Workplace or not, mortality is the great equalizer.
So today, we’re tackling one of life’s most stressful topics in an attempt to shift the conversation—from sympathy to security. Because some things can’t be prevented—but they can be prepared for.
Canada’s National Day of Mourning is marked by an 11 AM moment of silence and symbolized by the yellow ribbon, honouring those affected by workplace injury, illness, and loss.
The Stress Behind Statistics
Most people have suffered the misfortune of losing a loved one, and while grief is non-linear and every story is different, there are a few common elements, a major one being: stress.
Research shows that the death of a loved one is one of the most stressful life events a person can experience. (Source: “Physiological correlates of bereavement and the impact of bereavement interventions,” researchers from Australian universities, indexed by The National Library of Medicine,)
Yet:
57% of Canadians do not have a plan in place should something happen to them.
Less than half (43%) of Canadians have some sort of Living Will to protect their loved ones.
It’s common for people to put off preparing a will to avoid uncomfortable topics—cost, complexity, difficult conversations, emotional stress. Many simply assume it’s something to deal with later in life.
Wills and estates have a reputation for being messy—but that risk rises the longer they’re put off. Without a plan in place, your loved ones are left with more than grief—they’re left to navigate uncertainty, difficult decisions, and a long road to sort things out.
Enriched Academy: A Gift to Grow Your Wealth.
Beyond providing practical end-of-life instructions, wills are also a statement of legacy.
And speaking of legacy, UA Local 787 celebrated its 75th anniversary on April 14, 2026. That milestone reflects generations of members and the full cycle of their careers.
Supporting members throughout that journey—including their long-term financial security—is one of the reasons we partnered with Enriched Academy, a financial wellness platform available to members and their families at no additional cost.
One of those resources is a Will Kit. Let’s break down why it matters and how it works.
Will Kits— Why They Matter
Local 787 sat down with Enriched Academy to go over the ins and outs of Will Kits, with the biggest question being: Wills. Why do we need them?
Turns out: Oh yes, we do.
Enriched Academy shared some of their insights on how the death of a loved one can create unexpected challenges, compounding the pain of grief itself with the stress of uncertainty. Some things to consider:
Unexpected Expenses
Sudden loss can create immediate expenses, such as:
travel costs
funeral arrangements (if not planned for)
closing accounts and settling affairs
Tending to Dependants
Without a plan in place, dependants can face uncertain and difficult situations, including:
pets needing to be rehoused or surrendered if no care plan exists
minors or dependants entering the foster system or being subject to court decisions that may not reflect your preferences
Legal Complications
Without a will outlining your wishes, legal processes may be required to distribute:
assets
inheritances
property
funds and other financial assets
Blended families may also face disputes between spouses and adult children, leading to:
costly legal processes
prolonged delays in settling affairs
ongoing emotional and practical stress
A Common Misconception: Wills are for the elderly
Nope.
In fact, it’s advisable to have some form of a will in place as soon as you turn 18—especially a Living Will.
A Living Will outlines how you’d like your medical care handled if you’re alive but unable to make decisions for yourself. This can include directives like DNR orders, life support preferences, or who can make decisions on your behalf.
A Standard Will, on the other hand, covers how your property, assets, and responsibilities—like dependants—are managed after your death.
As soon as someone turns 18, having one in place is a good idea, no matter the size of your assets or estate, as it ensures your family knows how to carry out your wishes.
As we’ve discussed throughout this series, stress can become a safety hazard of its own. Losing a loved one is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. Bereavement is inherently emotional, and overwhelm is common. Without a plan, families are left making difficult decisions under pressure—intensifying stress when it’s already peaked.
Advanced planning removes that burden. Clear, thoughtful instructions—like how to handle property, divide an estate, or manage personal belongings—can provide reassurance, clarity, and relief during an already difficult time.
Don’t Panic. The Solution is Easy.
You can spare your family from the increased stress during one of the most painful situations in life by putting a will in place.
And the good news is, you don’t have to start from scratch.
Preparing a will isn’t just about avoiding worst-case scenarios—it’s about making things easier for your loved ones.
Consider what having a will in place can do for you:
reduces fear, worry, and anxiety for you and your loved ones
provides clear, step-by-step instructions in the event of your death
ensures your assets, property, and responsibilities are handled according to your wishes
reduces emotional strain and practical complexity for your family
lowers the risk of disputes or confusion between loved ones
provides certainty around end-of-life decisions (including DNR and medical care preferences)
offers clarity on common scenarios and default outcomes
can be a cost-effective option for straightforward estate planning
helps your family avoid unexpected financial and legal complications
eliminates guesswork that could otherwise take years to resolve
Sound Hard? Not as Hard as You Might Think.
Most people are surprised by how simple it is to create a will once they get started.
But if knowing where to start feels intimidating, we can help.
That’s where Enriched Academy comes in.
As part of your membership, you have access to tools, resources, and one-on-one guidance through Enriched Academy, including support for estate planning. While their services cover a wide range of personal finance (investments, budgeting, retirement, etc.), they also offer a dedicated partnership to help you with estate planning.
Through Enriched Academy, members can access a will creation service powered by Canadian Legal Wills, trusted by over 2 million Canadians.
The service is designed to be:
simple and fully online
built with legal expertise
guided step-by-step
accessible at any stage of life
supported throughout the process
So… who are Canadian Legal Wills?
Canadian Legal Wills is an online service that helps Canadians create valid legal Wills in a way that is simple, convenient, and easy to understand. Their Wills cover all Canadian provinces and are also available in the USA. Setup can take as little as 20 minutes, and online storage and ongoing updates to your document are available for as little as $11 a year.
…Is the Will Kit REALLY Free?
Yes, for a standard individual Will. Normally, a standard Will with Canadian Legal Wills costs around $49.99, but our partnership with Enriched Academy means members can get a reference code from the Enriched Academy Portal that allows them to access the standard Will Kit for FREE.
That said, options and add-ons exist to help customize your Will package to your specific needs, which may come with additional fees. For example, there is an option to create a Dual Will Kit with your spouse for a nominal fee. Exact pricing is determined based on member add-ons to their Will.
Is Making a Will Complicated?
It can feel daunting and scary to make a Will, but there’s no need to panic over the complexity. Canadian Legal Wills can walk you through the process step by step and has online help available for additional support. Beyond that, Enriched Academy’s platform offers estate planning resources, along with private one-on-one coaching, which is a great way to put your mind at ease, demystify the process, and clarify any confusion about what to expect.
Ok, How Do I Get Started Making A Will With Enriched Academy?
We recommend taking advantage of the one-on-one financial coaching session offered by Enriched Academy. A set number of one-on-one coaching sessions are included for Local 787 members, as part of your membership. While members can use sessions to address any financial goals, choosing one to focus on your Will means you’ll receive tailored, practical advice on what to consider and prepare for.
How Can I Access a Free Legal Will Kit?
If you’ve already created your Enriched Academy account, great! If not, consider making one (just visit the Members Portal on our website and click Enriched Academy to get started). Members have also received emails from Local 787 introducing Enriched Academy, with links inviting them to set up their accounts (so remember to check your email!).
Once your account is set up, you’ll be able to claim your reference code on the Enriched Academy Portal under “Your Financial Toolkit.” From there, select the Join Legal Wills button and generate your own reference code. You’ll be redirected to Canadian Legal Wills, where you can sign up, complete your profile, and enter the discount code for your FREE Will Kit.
Are There Any Disadvantages or Limitations to Using a Will Kit?
It’s a fair question.
The honest answer is: Yes.
Will kits provide cost-effective, fast, flexible, and legally valid Wills, but they are not the perfect solution for everyone. While it is always better to have some kind of Will than nothing, Wills are unique to the individual and are best when tailored to specific circumstances.
A standard Will kit offers basic, foundational protections, ideal for single individuals and those with straightforward assets and no personal business holdings, who want the ability to adapt and change their will easily online with little fuss.
But for those with complex estates, personal businesses, blended families, foreign assets, or more advanced needs—such as tax planning, potential legal disputes, or detailed inheritances—your best option may be to work with an individual lawyer. A dedicated lawyer can provide more personalized support based on your specific situation.
Don’t Forget! Check Out Our DWR—Enriched Academy’s Info Sheets!
If you want a deeper understanding before getting started, Enriched Academy has two Will & Estate Planning FAQ sheets that break down your options clearly and simply. You can download them here as part of our DWR for this series.
Enriched Academy’s General FAQ on Will & Estate Planning and;
Enriched Academy’s 1-pager Info sheet for Accessing Wills Kits
Remember: Plan for What You Can’t Prevent
Spring feels like a fresh start. It’s also a time to reflect.
The Day of Mourning reminds us that every loss affects more than just one person. Behind every tragedy or accident is a family navigating stress, grief, and uncertainty.
We don’t have the power to stop death. But we have the power to prepare for it.
Call it willpower.
We have tools today that give our loved ones clarity and reassurance, so that when we are gone, all they have to focus on is learning how to live without us.
Because resting in peace is for the dead.
Peace of mind is for the living.