Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, witnesses, for being here.
I'm going to try to focus a bit more on some of the more important factors of ensuring a safe workplace. What I'm speaking about is the expertise of the men and women who serve as health and safety officers.
I'm pleased to hear that the amendments will not reduce the number of safety officers and that these aren't cost-cutting measures; they're more a streamlining of the services in order that the workplace will be more safe.
It's also worth highlighting the fact that from coast to coast to coast the health and safety officers will continue to be available, as you've already said, for 24 hours, seven days a week, to respond to situations of danger in the workplace.
In terms of the amendment that would give the Minister of Labour the power of health and safety officers, could you please explain why these changes are needed and how these amendments address those needs?