OTTAWA, ONTARIO, August 24, 2009-The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Labour, and Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird, today announced that the proposed Maritime Occupational Health and Safety Regulationshave been pre-published in Part I of the Canada Gazette.The proposed Regulations would replace the existing Marine Occupational Safety and Health Regulations,which came into force under Part II of the Canada Labour Code in 1987.
"The Government of Canada is taking action to better protect workers aboard vessels under federal jurisdiction," said Minister Ambrose. "These regulations will strengthen workplace safety and reflect the current national and international standards."
"Our government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, puts the safety of Canadians as a top priority," said Baird. "With these changes, we are taking action to help better protect marine workers and provide more comfort to their families."
The proposed Regulations follow consultations with the Canadian Marine Advisory Council and a large proportion of the marine industry in Canada, including major marine unions, employer groups and fleet owners.
The process for establishing new regulations includes pre-publication of the proposed regulations in Part I of the Canada Gazette, followed by an opportunity for comments. Regulations come into force on the day that they are registered for final publication in Part II of the Canada Gazette. Members of the public have 30 days to submit comments on the proposed Regulations to the Labour Program or Transport Canada.
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For further information (media only):
Jonah Mozeson
Office of Minister Ambrose
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
