Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Improving workplace safety is not an easy task but is a crucial part of all of our lives. Every one of us knows somebody who has been seriously hurt or even killed at work. When it happens, it can be a heart-wrenching tragedy for the worker, the family, co-workers and the businesses involved.
Northerners have been working under our current Safety Act and the current regulations since 1990, with only a few minor changes in 1992. It’s high time that we revisit them. In 2008 the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission’s Minister appointed a Safety Advisory Committee to do just that. A special construction industry representative was added this January. The committee reviewing the regulations has done a tremendous amount of work.
There have been concerns raised in the public with respect to the draft regulations that have been released for discussion. Some members of the public have felt that the proposed regulations are not in the best interest of northern businesses or employees. This is a public process and input from stakeholders is critical to ensuring that the final product and final regulations are in the best interest of the public, employees and employers.
There are many improvements proposed within the draft regulations that will bring us in line with advances across Canada. There will be a single set of regulations where there used to be a handful. Worksite health and safety committees will be stronger and deal with more issues firsthand. Prevention will be emphasized. Requirements for personal protective equipment will be updated. The regulations should be better and easier to enforce. Yes, standards for cold weather work need to be sorted out. Concerns need to be addressed. Yes, definitions should be clear, such as what constitutes construction, maintenance and so on. I have confidence that the Safety Advisory Committee, with feedback from the people of the Northwest Territories, will get the job done.
The deadline for input into these regulations is now March 31st, extended from October. The deadline has been extended twice now. I urge everyone with an interest in workplace safety to take a look at the draft regulations on the WSCC website and take the time to share their knowledge and insight. Our workers and employers deserve the best.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.
