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March 11, 2003
WOWCHUK AND BARRETT PROCLAIM AGRICULTURAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK
Agriculture and Food Minister Rosann Wowchuk and Labour and Immigration Minster Becky Barrett have proclaimed March 12 to 19 as AgriculturalSafety and Health Week in Manitoba.
This week coincides with the national observance of farm safety by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association.
”Farm safety and health in Manitoba is really driven by the industry and as a government we are pleased to be able to provide support to this effort,” said Wowchuk. “This proclamation reminds everyone that if we take the time to learn, prepare and work together, a strong safety and health culture
can be built to last.”
The ministers were accompanied by the Agricultural Safety and Health Committee of the Minister of Labour and Immigration’s Advisory Council on Workplace Safety and Health. The committee has 14 members representing a cross-section of agricultural commodity groups, agricultural educational institutions and service providers to the industry.
”During the public consultations on workplace safety and health in the fall of 2001, the agricultural sector focused educational and technical resources to support the industry in managing its safety and health issues,” said Barrett. “We have jointly moved to do what the industry has requested and are pleased to see its commitment to taking greater ownership of these issues.”
In 2002, several safety and health resources were made available to Manitoba farm families and the farming industry. These included a new Web site, printed resources, training programs and prevention partnerships. Details of these and other resources can be accessed by contacting either Manitoba Agriculture and Food or Manitoba Labour and Immigration or visiting their Web sites at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/farmsafety and www.gov.mb.ca/labour/safety/agriculture.
”Committed partnerships give the strength to achieve goals,” concluded Wowchuk. “Our goal is to have the safest possible working environment. If we continue to build on our partnerships with the industry, everyone will benefit.”
Wowchuk will join 4-H leaders and students at Taylor Elementary School in Swan River on Monday, March 17 to launch a Farm Safety display targeted at rural youth. The Age Appropriate Tasks - Rural Youth Safety Initiative was developed in partnership with the Manitoba 4-H Council, Manitoba Agriculture and Food, the Community Farm Safety Project and the Canadian Agriculture Safety Project (CASP).
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