Mr. Speaker, safety in the workplace is a priority for Canadians and the Canadian government. Safety and productivity are also interdependent factors in the workplace. Therefore it gives me great pleasure to rise before the House and salute all workers of Canada and the people who are working to make Canadian workplaces safer.
The week of May 17 to 23 marks the annual North American Occupational Safety and Health Week. This special week gives us an opportunity to promote awareness of the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace.
Injury on the job has a tremendous emotional, physical and financial toll on many Canadian workers and their families every year. It also results in diminished productivity and lost work time. An investment in occupational health and safety is an investment in the economic health of Canadian business and the well-being of workers.
Many special events have been planned in Canada, Mexico and the United States to bring attention to workplace safety issues during the week of May 17 to 23. I urge all my hon. colleagues in the House to become involved.