Governments commit to healthy work environments stragegy

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Labour underscore commitment to well-being of workers and employers

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, January 17, 2011 - Today, federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers met to discuss a wide range of current and emerging issues and took steps to protect the well-being of workers and employers and ensure safe workplaces.
The annual meeting, which began on January 16 and concluded today, was co-hosted by the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Labour Minister, and the Honourable Jennifer Howard, Minister of Labour and Immigration for Manitoba.
"Our Government's number one priority is the economy and we understand that safe and healthy workplaces boost productivity and innovation," said Minister Raitt. "As the well-being of workers and employers are key to the success and performance of Canada's economy, meetings like this one help all governments work together to ensure Canada's workforce remains the best in the world."
"Safe and healthy working environments do not just happen, they require a commitment by governments and everyone at the workplace," said Minister Howard. "Manitoba has long enjoyed a reputation as a leader in workplace health and safety issues and we want to continue to build on our successes."
Over the course of the meeting, the ministers discussed Canada's international labour activities, endorsed a renewed strategy for Canada's work in the International Labour Organization, and agreed to work together to enhance occupational health and safety of young workers using social media and other tools.
The ministers also participated in panel presentations and roundtable discussions regarding the evolving world of work and future labour policy. Specific topics included critical and emerging issues in the areas of employment standards and labour relations, as well as mental health in the workplace.
The labour ministers' meeting is an annual event which provides a forum for discussion of key public policies and exploration of opportunities for cooperation on joint projects and initiatives. Throughout the year, ongoing work continues through the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation (CAALL). Established in 1938, CAALL is an association of federal-provincial-territorial departments of labour and heads of occupational health and safety agencies.

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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Ashley Kelahear
Special Assistant, Media Relations
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Rachel Morgan
Press Secretary to Cabinet
Government of Manitoba
204-945-1494

Province moves to combat work-related illnesses - hiring five officers

April 8, 2010
PROVINCE TARGETS WORK-RELATED INJURIES AND ILLNESSES
Five Additional Safety and Health Officers Part of Long-term Strategy: Howard

The province is hiring an additional five safety and health officers to help prevent workplace injuries and illness, Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard announced today.

“Reducing fatalities and serious injuries on the job is a priority for all Manitobans,” said Howard. “Inspections are an essential tool for enforcing safety and health legislation and helping create safer workplaces.”
The five new officers are key elements in the long-term strategy to reduce work-related injuries and illnesses in Manitoba and fulfil a commitment in the last election to add 20 new safety and health officers, said the minister.

Fifteen officers were hired in 2008 and 2009. The addition of five new positions brings the total to 74 safety and health officers, up from 54 in 2007. The additional staff has helped to reduce the time‑loss injury rate by about 30 per cent since 2000, for savings of over $100 million annually to the Manitoba economy, the minister added.

She said the additional staff will:
· reach more workplaces across Manitoba;
· increase inspection and enforcement activities in high-hazard industries such as construction and manufacturing, and enable more proactive initiatives in sectors such as agriculture and healthcare;

· establish more occupational safety and health committees and workplace safety and health programs;

· increase enforcement in workplaces most likely to employ new, young and immigrant workers; and

· develop and deliver new programs to increase training and education opportunities for workers and employers.
The additional officers hired to date have helped increase the annual number of inspections to approximately 10,000 in 2009 from approximately 1,600 in 1999.
“Despite current economic challenges, Manitoba continues to grow. We have new construction in our urban centres, major hydro development, the floodway expansion and new infrastructure projects across the province,” said Howard. “As Manitobans continue to build this province, it is extremely important that we make all job sites safer for the sake of workers and their families.”

WORKPLACES HAVE ROLE IN ENDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: MINISTERS
– – –Province to Develop Training Initiative to Help Workplaces Recognize Abuse, Provide Links to Expert Help


Manitoba has launched Domestic Violence Prevention Month with an initial commitment of more than $100,000 to develop domestic violence awareness training for employers, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.

“We all have a role to play in countering domestic violence and supporting victims,” said Mackintosh. “Because family violence affects the workplace with a terrible human cost and through lost productivity, we want to ensure workplaces have access to the information and tools they need to take effective action.”

The province will work with employers, chambers of commerce and unions to ensure workplaces of all sizes have access to information or training sessions beginning in the spring that will help them recognize and offer support to victims of domestic violence. That support will consist of links to community resources such as shelters, resource centres, counselling and safe housing.

“Reaching out to offer help is a difficult step, but we need to make sure people know there are things they can do that make a difference,” said Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allen, minister responsible for the status of women. “We want to empower the employers and co-workers of people affected by violence so they know that help is available and how to offer it respectfully.”

To mark Domestic Violence Prevention Month, Manitoba today joined governments from cities and countries around the world in the effort to end violence against women. On behalf of the province, Mackintosh and Allan formally added their names to the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) online campaign Say NO to Violence Against Women.

“Manitoba has long been committed to the effort to raise awareness surrounding the issue of family violence and violence against women,” said Mackintosh. “We wholeheartedly support the international efforts of UNIFEM to make sure women around the world have a safer future.”

The online petition is available at www.saynotoviolence.org.

Manitoba is also welcoming the Winnipeg exhibit of an international poster exhibition, Eyes Wide Open, featuring domestic violence awareness posters from around the world. Posters will be on display for the public at the Union Centre, 275 Broadway in Winnipeg from Nov. 3 to 6.

While this announcement officially launches November as Domestic Violence Prevention month in Manitoba, the province recognizes it takes a continued effort to end domestic violence, said Mackintosh.

“Manitoba Justice is pleased to participate in this initiative by inviting workplaces to join in our efforts to counter domestic violence,” said Attorney General Dave Chomiak.

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