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On February 22, the federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for labour met in Ottawa. The Ministers meet each year to discuss labour-related issues, and to underscore their commitment to protecting the well-being of Canadian workers and employers. This year’s meeting focused on economic recovery, evolving workplaces, and occupational health and safety.

On February 26, 2010, in Halifax, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Minister of Labour, consulted with regional stakeholders, including the Halifax Employers Association, to seek their views on important labour issues and to take suggestions in preparation for Phase II of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. During the meeting, Minister Raitt congratulated the Halifax Employers Association for its efforts in creating an inclusive workplace committed to ensuring employment equity. The Association received high marks in the most recent Employment Equity Act Annual Report, which was tabled in the House of Commons on June 17, 2009.

On March 8, 2010, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour, delivered opening remarks at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Forum III: Leading Workplace Change. Minister Raitt highlighted the Government of Canada’s action on health and safety in the workplace. She also stressed the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace to keep Canada’s labour force strong and healthy.

Image: Citizenship and Immigration Canada
March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In the spirit of this United Nations initiative, Minister Raitt spoke at the National Metropolis Conference in Montréal about cultural diversity in the workplace and the Labour Program’s Racism-Free Workplace Strategy (RFWS). Additionally, on March 22, the Minister addressed the Workplace Integration for Newcomers conference in Mississauga. The Minister focused on the accessibility of Canada’s labour market to newcomers.

On March 21, 2010 the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Minister of Labour, marked the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination by delivering a keynote address at the 12th National Metropolis Conference.

April 28th is the National Day of Mourning for those injured, killed or suffering illness as a result of occupational accidents and hazards.
Every year, thousands of Canadians are injured, killed, or suffer ilness due to workplace accidents or hazards, and billions of dollars are spent in compensation for these people and their families.
The National Day of Mourning focuses our attention on these tragic facts and reminds us of the work still to be done to eliminate workplace hazards.
NAOSH week runs from May 2-8. This week provides an opportunity for employers across North America to reduce workplace accidents and hazards by educating their employees on health and safety initiatives. It also gives Canadians the opportunity to be creative and organize a NAOSH week event for their workplace. These events are part of of the continental initiative to improve and maintain excellent occupational safety and health standards.
The Labour Program partners with the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) and with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) to support educational activities during NAOSH Week across Canada.
You can find more information about NAOSH week on the NAOSH official Web site.