In a move aimed at strengthening the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), Minister of Labour and Seniors, Seamus O’Regan Jr., has announced the appointment of two new members to the Council of Governors.
Tara Peel and Dave Kramer have been appointed as representatives for employees and the province of Manitoba, respectively, each for a four-year term.
Tara Peel, part of the senior management team of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), brings significant expertise in health and safety from a worker’s perspective. Peel’s background includes a role as the National Director of the CLC Health and Safety and Environment department and her involvement with the Manitoba Federation of Labour.
Her extensive experience in national and provincial health and safety laws and practices is expected to add valuable insights to the CCOHS.
Dave Kramer, currently serving as the Vice President of SAFE Work Manitoba (SWMB) under the Workers Compensation Board (WCB), has a history of leadership roles in the WCB/SWMB. His experience includes working as Portfolio Leader, Sector Manager, and Director of Assessment Services.
Kramer’s active participation in various committees, including the WCB Manitoba Bargaining Committee and the Joint Pension Advisor Committee, highlights his commitment to workplace safety and stakeholder engagement.
Minister O’Regan Jr. emphasized the importance of the CCOHS Council of Governors in enhancing workplace safety and inclusivity.
He remarked, “The CCOHS Council of Governors makes our workplaces safer, healthier, and more inclusive. Tripartism — unions, employers, and governments working together — makes that possible. Tara and Dave will be strong representatives on the Council.”
The CCOHS operates as a federal departmental corporation, reporting to the Parliament of Canada through the Minister of Labour and Seniors. It is unique in its tripartite structure, which represents governments (federal, provincial, and territorial), employers, and workers.
This structure is fundamental in ensuring a balanced approach to workplace health and safety issues and in delivering comprehensive occupational health and safety services. The appointments of Peel and Kramer are seen as a strategic step in reinforcing this approach and the overall effectiveness of the CCOHS.
