Debates of May 11, 2007 (day 5)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, every year, we join together to celebrate North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, which this year falls on May 6th to 12th. This safety and health related week was first marked by an agreement between Canada, Mexico and the United States in 1997. In Canada, Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Week had been celebrated for 10 years prior to its international launching.

North American Occupational Safety and Health Week’s goal is to focus the attention of employers, workers, the general public and all partners in occupational safety and the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace and at home. This year’s theme, Start Today, expands on last year’s theme of making a lifetime commitment to safety and health. It is never too early, or too late, to start learning about and practising safety.

As part of this year’s activities, the organizing committee has several exciting safety and health related events planned. The Department of Transportation is hosting safety video lunches for GNWT employees in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Hay River and Fort Simpson. All Yellowknife schools have been invited to explore the Workers’ Compensation Board’s Mine Safety Discovery Zone. The unions, including the Union of Northern Workers, the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Northern Territories Federation of Labour, have organized safety video lunches and quizzes, complete with prizes.

Today, the WCB is holding the 2007 Ready, Set, Go Safe! Team Challenge, a community safety relay race with lunch provided at a community barbeque hosted by the Northern Territories Federation of Labour.

I encourage all Members to get involved in North American Occupational Safety and Health Week this year, by participating in or by attending some or all of the planned events and to strengthen their commitment to occupational safety and health. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause