Province opens up first-aid training for competition

Dianne Whalen, Minister of Government Services, announced today that an amendment to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations will allow for employers to choose from a variety of recognized first-aid training providers effective June 1, 2006.

"I have met with several organizations which have proven that they can meet the training requirements and service standards necessary for employers and workers in this province," said Minister Whalen. "We firmly believe that a more flexible regulation, that gives employers and workers the right to choose their service provider, is a positive step forward in reducing unnecessary regulatory red tape, without reducing the quality of training that people receive."

Having multiple first-aid service providers will allow employers and workers greater flexibility in determining the training which best suits their needs. The new arrangement will ensure that organizations who wish to be recognized as training providers meet an established standard and have the ability to provide training in all areas of the province.

The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission, which has the mandate to establish standards for workplace training and certification of training providers, may establish the criteria to authorize organizations to provide first-aid training. Currently, any first-aid provider which meets federal standards will be eligible to offer services to employers and workers.

Minister Whalen thanked St. John Ambulance for its many years of service. "St. John Ambulance has provided exemplary first-aid training to all areas of the province over the last 20 years and will continue to do so in the future. Even though we have opened up the marketplace, I want to remind employers and workers that they can still expect the same level of excellent services they have always received from St. John Ambulance."

Minister Whalen noted that other organizations are recognized as authorized training providers under regulations of other provincial departments.

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709)729-4860, 682-6593

2005 12 14                                  3:05 p.m.