Minister congratulates staff member on receiving a lifetime achievement award

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford today congratulated a member of his staff who recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering for his contribution to occupational health and safety in the workplace.

John Hodder, manager of aquaculture, licensing and administration with the department, accepted the prestigious award at a national conference awards dinner in Calgary, Alberta on October 27.

While Mr. Hodder�s employment has primarily been in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, his volunteer involvement has been provincial, national and international. He has devoted more than 30 years to occupational health and safety.

"I sincerely congratulate John today for this outstanding achievement," said Minister Efford." I am extremely pleased to have John as a member of my staff and commend him for his commitment and devoted service towards such an important issue as workplace safety."

One of Mr. Hodder�s most notable community service accomplishments has been his efforts in establishing an Occupational Health and Safety Week, a locally initiated event which ultimately became national and, more recently, international. He has served in many capacities with the national Canadian Society of Safety Engineering at the executive level. Mr. Hodder is a past chairman of the board of directors of the Newfoundland Safety Council and a past president of the St. John�s Kinsmen Club. Last year he was inducted in to the Order of St. John by the Governor General of Canada.

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-3733.

2000 10 31 10:40 a.m.