FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(SYDNEY, NS) – The Cape Breton Partnership alongside their partners, the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education and the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia are pleased to recognize five industry champions for the first installment of the Safety First in Cape Breton Awards. Due to be handed out at the fifth annual Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium on Friday, May 5, 2017 at Cape Breton University, the Partnership is proud to recognize these individuals and organizations who have shown a dedicated effort to the advancement of effective workplace health and safety policies and initiatives.

Winners of the 2017 Safety First in Cape Breton Awards are as follows:

• Young Advocate Award: Sheryl MacDonald, Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness Assistant, Nova Scotia Health Authority – Cape Breton Regional Hospital
• Innovation Expert Award: Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board
• Small Business Trailblazer Award: Aaron Lee Renovations Ltd.
• Engagement Ally Award: Linda Hodder, New Dawn Homecare
• Safety Culture Champion Award: NSCC Strait Area Campus

“All of the Safety First in Cape Breton Award winners demonstrate true leadership, innovation, and commitment to the effective delivery of workplace health and safety training and protocols,” said Keith MacDonald, President and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “This year’s award winners make safety everyone’s priority and have made incredible strides to embrace a positive and effective safety culture to not only their respective workplaces, but the entire island. The Partnership is proud to be able to recognize their efforts as they continue to inspire and motivate others to follow their path to increase awareness, promotion, and implementation of vital occupational health and safety policies and practice that reduce the risk of on the job accidents, injuries, and fatalities.”

The Partnership will welcome over 200 delegates to Cape Breton University for the fifth annual Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium this Friday, May 5, 2017. Delegates will have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and participate in interactive breakout sessions that promote hands on development and engagement. The Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium is the only event of its kind on the island and is committed to making Cape Breton the safest place to work and do business by prioritizing physical, psychosocial, and mental health of the working people in our region. Please visit www.safetyfirstcapebreton.com for details on the upcoming Symposium and this year’s award winners.

Media Contact:

Keith MacDonald

President & CEO

Cape Breton Partnership

902-562-7182 (w) 902-565-8577 (c)

keith@capebretonpartnership.com