Former miner takes the helm of association
Workplace Safety North (WSN) and Ontario Mine Rescue (OMR) have announced the appointment of Mike Parent as their new president and chief executive officer (CEO). According to a news release, Parent had been serving as interim president and CEO since September 2023. Now, he assumes the role permanently.
Parent has a diverse background, having worked as a paramedic, miner, mine rescue volunteer, and mining health and safety manager. His tenure at WSN began in 2015, where he served as vice president of health and safety services before stepping into the interim leadership role. Parent, with his experience within Ontario’s prevention system, has been described as an established collaborative leader committed to health and safety advocacy. His strategic plan aims to uphold and advance WSN’s mission of worker safety.
“I entered the health and safety field to make a difference,” Parent said. “Now, as president and CEO, I have the chance to impact safety on a provincial scale.”
In his previous senior roles, Parent led teams of mining health and safety consultants, trainers, and specialists. His industry expertise is expected to drive innovation in the provincial mine rescue program and in the development of health and safety products, training programs, and outreach initiatives for Ontario’s mining and forest products sectors.
Lydia Renton, chair of the Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Parent’s leadership. “We are delighted to welcome Mike as the new president and CEO of Workplace Safety North and Ontario Mine Rescue,” Renton said. “Mike’s proven track record in occupational health and safety, coupled with his strategic vision and leadership skills, make him the ideal choice to lead our organization into the future.”
Parent emphasized the organization’s commitment to worker safety amid an evolving health and safety landscape in Ontario. “WSN Health and Safety Specialists and Mine Rescue Officers are dedicated to helping companies assess risks, prepare for emergencies, and comply with legislative requirements,” Parent noted. “Our vision remains that every worker returns home safe and healthy at the end of each workday.”
Workplace Safety North (WSN) is an independent not-for-profit organization headquartered in northern Ontario. It oversees the provincial mine rescue program and provides Ministry-approved health and safety training for the mining and forest products industries.
Ontario Mine Rescue (OMR) provides emergency response and specialized training to ensure the safety of miners.
