Ministerial Statement
by Anna Thistle
Minister of Labor

North American Occupational Safety and Health Week

May 1, 2002

Mr. Speaker:

I rise today to recognize May 5 - 11, as North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, or (NAOSH Week). This is the sixth year that employers, government, labour and workers, in Canada, the United States and Mexico, will join forces to promote a greater awareness for the importance of preventing workplace accidents and occupational illnesses.

The goal of NAOSH Week, which carries the theme: Prevention is the Cure, is to focus the attention of employers, employees, the general public, and all partners in occupational health and safety, on the importance of preventing illness, injury or death in the workplace, and what we can do to make safety the �number 1' goal.

Setting aside a period of time to reflect specifically on workplace health and safety allows us to exchange ideas and experiences with other jurisdictions, other workers and even family members, so that we may learn from each other.

Safe, healthy workplaces, where the rights and interests of employers and employees are protected will continue to be a goal of this government. Positive legislative changes brought forward in 2001, emphasize the importance of accident prevention and well as early and safe return to work.

Health and safety on the job is everyone�s responsibility. While employers and employees have a responsibility to ensure safe and healthy workplaces, government will endeavor to help foster a safety culture through its mandate to provide legislation and regulations that reflect this commitment.

This year, let us all do our part towards �prevention� so we can �safely� say we�ve found �the cure�.

Thank-you Mr.Speaker.