TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 09/07/12 -- Dr. Kellie Leitch, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Labour Minister, today attended the 2012 Canada's Safest Employers Award ceremony. The event celebrated businesses that are finding ways to prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace. Workplaces like these are an integral part of keeping Canada's workforce strong, healthy and competitive.

"Our government is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our workforce," said Dr. Leitch. "By improving the well-being of workers, we can ensure that Canadian workplaces continue to be efficient, innovative and productive, which supports the Government's focus on growth and long-term prosperity."

The Canada's Safest Employers Award was launched in December 2010 by Canadian Occupational Safety magazine and Annex Publishing and Printing Inc., its parent company, to recognize Canadian organizations for the work they do in keeping their workers and workplaces safe. This year, over a dozen employers, in fields ranging from manufacturing, services and building and construction, were recognized for their efforts and leadership in promoting workplace health and safety.

"I would like to congratulate not only the award winners, but all employers and employees who strive to prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace," said Dr. Leitch. "Occupational health and safety in the workplace is a shared responsibility, and it is by working together that we will succeed in diminishing the number of preventable accidents and illnesses."

The Labour Program develops, administers and enforces workplace legislation and regulations, such as the Canada Labour Code, which covers industrial relations, health, safety and employment standards for federally regulated workers and employers.

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

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