Federal Labour Minister says appointees will be 'strong representatives' on council
The federal government has announced two new appointments to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) Council of Governors. Minister of Labour and Seniors, Seamus O'Regan Jr., revealed that Julie Hébert and Lori Kennedy will be joining the council, bringing their expertise to promote workplace safety and well-being for Canadians.
Hébert, who has served as the health, safety, and environment coordinator at the United Steelworkers' (USW) Quebec office since 2018, has been appointed as an employee representative for a four-year term.
In her current role, she provides invaluable support and services to USW staff and members across Canada. Her extensive experience within the health and safety domain, spanning various employment sectors, positions her as a well-qualified advocate for workers' rights.
Previously, Ms. Hébert worked at la Confédération des organismes de personnes handicapées du Québec, championing the rights of persons with disabilities. She holds a degree in law from the Université de Montréal and is determined to dedicate her career to defending workers' rights.
Kennedy, the managing director of regulatory affairs at Canadian Pacific Railway, has been reappointed as an employer representative for a second four-year term. Kennedy boasts over 17 years of experience collaborating with regulatory agencies, industry associations, and multi-stakeholder working groups in both Canada and the United States to enhance the safety and security of railway operations.
Furthermore, her 33-year career encompasses expertise in designing, developing, and implementing policies and processes while facilitating negotiations among various stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial solutions.
Established in 1978 by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Act, CCOHS plays a vital role in promoting the well-being of Canadian workers. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the physical, psychosocial, and mental health of the workforce by offering information, training, education, management systems, and solutions that support health, safety, and wellness programs.
"The CCOHS Council of Governors makes our workplaces safer, healthier, and more inclusive. Tripartism makes that possible. Julie and Lori will be strong representatives on this council so it can keep serving Canadian workers well," says O’Regan Jr.
CCOHS, a federal departmental corporation reporting to the Parliament of Canada through the Minister of Labour, operates under a tripartite Council of Governors structure. This council represents governments (federal, provincial, and territorial), employers, and workers, all of whom collaborate to deliver a comprehensive occupational health and safety service that ensures a balanced approach to workplace health and safety issues.
