Minister of Labour visits Niagara Research facilities

22jul2013-ministernaqvi

Pictured: Ontario Minister of Labour Yasir Naqvi and St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley visited Niagara College’s NOTL Campus on July 18. Along with an announcement to highlight health and safety for young workers, the Minister had a tour of the brand new Canadian Food and Wine Institute Research Centre.

Ontario Minister of Labour Yasir Naqvi and St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley visited Niagara College’s NOTL Campus on July 18. Along with an announcement to highlight health and safety for young workers, the Minister had a tour of the brand new Canadian Food and Wine Institute Research Centre.

Ontario Minister of Labour Yasir Naqvi and St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley visited Niagara College’s NOTL Campus on July 18 to highlight the Ontario government’s supports and protections for new and young workers.

NC staff, students who have summer jobs at the College, and local media attended the event held in a baking lab at the Canadian Food and Wine Institute.

Naqvi spoke about how the ministry is focusing on changing the culture of health and safety. Instead of the rules kicking in after an injury has taking place, he would like to see more focus on prevention.

“We at the ministry are very much focused on ensuring every single worker young and old, new or someone who has been employed for a long time, are safe,” said Naqvi.

As part of the ministry’s New and Young Worker Blitz, the Ministry of Labour visits workplaces each year to make sure health and safety requirements are being met. The blitz began in May and continues August.

College president Dan Patterson, who spoke at the event, noted that NC recognizes the importance of health and safety.

“We always make sure as part of our workplace training … that students do appreciate how important health and safety is to their skill sets as they go into the world of work,” he said.

Naqvi applauded the College’s efforts when it comes to health and safety.

“I was very impressed by the influence on health and safety at the College,” said Naqvi. “In every single program you are a part of, health and safety is there first and foremost.”

Naqvi also spoke out about creating opportunities about youth employment, his new advisory panel investigating how minimum wage should be determined, and employment rights.

While at Niagara College, the Minister of Labour had a chance to visit the Wine Visitor + Education Centre, the NC Teaching Brewery, and the CFWI Research Centre.

View photos of the minister’s visit here.