Mr. Speaker, the week of May 15 to 21 marks the fourth annual North American Occupational Health and Safety Week. Each year this special week gives us extra opportunity to promote awareness of the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace.
Workplace accidents take a tremendous emotional, physical and financial toll on many Canadian workers and their families. On average three workers are killed every working day. Every nine seconds someone is injured on the job. An investment in occupational safety and health is an investment in the well-being of workers and in the economic health of Canadian business.
It is fitting that this year, the 100th anniversary of the labour program, the theme is “Work Safely for a Healthy Future”. The aim is to encourage young workers to become aware of the critical importance in working in a safe and healthy manner.
Many special events are being held throughout this week in Canada, Mexico and the United States to bring attention to workplace safety issues. I hope hon. members will join me in wishing the participants a very successful week.