Minister of Labour, Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, emphasizes importance of workplace safety

OTTAWA, Nov. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, congratulated the winners of the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) Occupational Health and Safety Awards.

"Our government is committed to creating the conditions to grow our economy and stimulate job creation across Canada," said Minister Leitch. "To do this we have to ensure that injury and illness prevention remains top of mind in our workplaces, so that they are healthy, safe and productive."

Since 1995, the CEA has hosted an annual award ceremony to publicly recognize the CEA President's Awards of Excellence for Employee Safety and the CEA Lifesaving Awards. These awards recognize the best-performing companies in the field of health and safety, as well as employees who have assisted in a life-saving effort during their everyday work.

"I salute the recipients of the 2013 Canadian Electricity Association's Occupational Health and Safety Awards," added Minister Leitch. "These individuals and companies should be held up as examples for all of us. What they do each and every day helps to save lives and make Canada's workplaces among the safest in the world."  For information on this year's 2013 Canadian Electricity Association's Occupational Health and Safety Awards, please visit http://www.electricity.ca/industry-issues/occupational-health-and-safety-program/occupational-health-and-safety-awards.php and http://www.electricity.ca/industry-issues/occupational-health-and-safety-program/lifesaving-awards/2013.php

The Labour Program develops, administers and enforces workplace legislation and regulations, such as the Canada Labour Code, which covers industrial relations, health and safety and employment standards for federally regulated workers and employers.

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada