Government appoints new chair for Workplace Health Safety and Compensation Commission

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour, announced today that Penny Rowe has retired from the position of chairperson of the board of directors for the Workplace Health Safety and Compensation Commission citing, among other things, new responsibilities at the federal level as the main reason for her decision. The minister also announced that J. Wayne Trask of Corner Brook has been appointed the new chairperson, effective immediately.

Mr. Trask is a chartered accountant by profession with a strong business and community background. In February 2000, he retired from LaFarge Gypsum Canada Inc., where he served as president and CEO. He served as chairman and president of the 1999 Canada Winter Games Committee, which were the first Canada Winter Games to run a surplus.

Minister Langdon stated that he is very pleased that the new chairperson is able to assume his new duties so quickly. "This is an important position and one that government did not want to leave vacant for very long," said the minister.

"His strong background in business and community, along with superb organizational skills make him very qualified for this position," said Minister Langdon. "I am confident that he will be a very effective chairperson at the commission.

"I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Penny Rowe for providing exemplary leadership at the commission. She has been a very strong and effective chairperson during what may be the longest term of any commission chair in the country," said the minister.

"Ms. Rowe worked diligently with stakeholders to find mutually acceptable solutions to difficult and complex issues," said Minister Langdon. "As chairperson of the board, she was exceptionally good at helping find balance between a workers� right to protection in the event of workplace injury or illness and the employers� capacity to fund the system."

During her 11-year tenure, Penny Rowe took the commission through two major financial reviews, three statutory reviews, the hiring of two CEOs, and numerous new organizational and policy directions.

Media contact: Sean Kelly, Communications, (709) 729-2575.

2000 09 28 11:00 a.m.