For release: March 17, 2004

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT IMPROVES ON-FARM SAFETY

TORONTO – As part of its commitment to protecting the health and safety of Ontarians, the McGuinty government is developing new health and safety standards for farmers and farm workers, Steve Peters, Minister of Agriculture and Food (OMAF), and Chris Bentley, Minister of Labour (MOL) announced today during Canadian Agricultural Safety Week.

“We’re moving ahead to make the farm a safer place to live and work,” Peters said. “We are working closely with industry and will be talking with the farming community to ensure that we develop strong occupational health and safety standards, specifically designed for agriculture.”

OMAF, MOL, the Labour Issues Co-ordinating Committee (a coalition of 14 farm and commodity groups) and the Farm Safety Association are working on standards that would embrace the principles of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. This Act protects most workers in Ontario.

“Our people’s health is our most precious resource,” said Bentley. “Improving health and safety in all Ontario workplaces is a key priority for the McGuinty government. This initiative with the farming community is an important step toward achieving this goal.”

“While we’re committed to moving forward , we want to ensure that the farming community has input into the development of these standards,” Peters added.

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week runs from March 10 to 17, 2004. This year’s theme is Farm Safety Makes $ense.

- 30 -

Contact :

Mary Devorski
Minister Peters' Office
(416) 326-3077
(416) 606-8303 (mobile)

Peter Fitzpatrick
Minister Bentley’s Office
(416) 326-7710