Minister Leitch commends Nova Scotia trucking industry on its commitment to workplace health and safety

HALIFAX, March 16, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, visited Atlantic Tiltload Limited, a member of the Nova Scotia Trucking Safety Association, to meet with members of the Association, including Executive Director Linda Corkum.

They discussed safety, leadership, workplace mental health and increasing opportunities for women. Participants shared best practices for continuing to improve their industry, and the Minister commended them for their commitment to workplace health and safety.

Minister Leitch also met with employees of Atlantic Tiltload, challenging them to work with their employers to create a culture of health and well-being—both physical and mental.

The Labour Program protects the rights and well-being of both workers and employers by promoting safe, healthy, cooperative and productive workplaces. Through legislation, programs and services, it fosters good working conditions, constructive labour management relations and fair workplaces.

Quick Facts

• The Labour Program works with employers and employees to identify and resolve health and safety risks.
• Sixty percent of Canadians with mental health problems say they are reluctant to seek help because they are afraid of being labelled and stigmatized.
• Women have made gains in several sectors and professions where they have been underrepresented, yet they continue to have low representation in the skilled trades, technology- and science-based professions.

Quotes

"Promoting employment equity and workplace health and safety—including mental wellness—is a shared responsibility. Everyone has a role to play. That's why we work with provincial and territorial representatives, and employer and employee organizations, to continue finding ways to make workplaces more inclusive and to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses."
- The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

"Our people are our most valuable resource and keeping them injury-free is our number one goal. We coordinate health and safety programs specific to our members and their employees to help reduce the toll of workplace injuries. With the shortage of workers in our industry, workplace safety is a priority for us. We are very fortunate to have excellent partnerships with industry, other organizations, and government to help us achieve our goal. It pays to be safe!"
- Linda Corkum, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Trucking Safety Association

Associated Link

Labour Program

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

Related Links

http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca