Innovating Canada
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
The Honourable John Zerucelli
Secretary of State (Labour)
Canada is advancing a more proactive approach to workplace safety through collaboration, aligned standards and investments in worker training.
Questions for Minister Patty Hajdu
What changes are needed to ensure Canada’s workplace safety protections keep pace with the evolving risks and realities of today’s workforce? How can government, employers, unions and workers work together more effectively to identify emerging safety risks and build safer workplaces? As Canada develops the workforce of tomorrow, what role should safety training and prevention play in preparing workers for new industries, technologies and working environments?
Questions for Minister John Zerucelli
What do you believe are some of the most pressing workplace safety challenges facing Canadians today, and how can we move from reacting to incidents toward a more proactive approach to prevention? Workplace safety is a shared responsibility. How can governments, employers, workers, unions and industry leaders work together more effectively to build a stronger safety culture across Canada? As Canada’s workforce continues to evolve, how can we ensure workers have the skills, training and resources they need to stay safe and adapt to the workplaces of the future?
Canadian workers have the right to a safe and healthy workplace. As the world of work changes, we need to make sure worker protections keep pace. Our goal is simple: safer worksites, stronger protections and better opportunities for workers.
One of the most pressing workplace safety challenges facing Canadians today is the misalignment of occupational health and safety requirements across provincial and territorial jurisdictions. Addressing this challenge requires collaboration among governments, employers, workers and unions.
To support this work, the Government of Canada is working closely with provinces and territories to align safety requirements and improve consistency in safety training. Last April, federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers agreed to meet more often to keep progress moving with an endorsed workplan to align workplace safety across the country.
Collaboration also extends to ongoing policy development, ensuring that workers, unions and employers always have a seat at the table. Through the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Committee and the new Tripartite Advisory Council, these partners work together alongside government to ensure federal labour policies and regulations can respond to existing and emerging workplace issues and help build a stronger safety culture across Canada.
At the same time, industries are changing rapidly, and workers need the training and tools to adapt safely. This should never come at the expense of workplace health and safety. Through tools such as the Training Finder, we are making it easier for workers to identify training programs that meet the needs of businesses while helping Canadians prepare for the future of work.
Through strong collaboration, aligned approaches to workplace safety and investments in skills and training, Canada is advancing a more proactive approach to prevention and building a stronger safety culture from coast to coast to coast. As workplaces evolve, genuine partnership remains.
Learn more at Canada.ca.
