Canadian health and safety regulations need to be stronger: PSAC

Enforcement urged to come from government workers

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) has launched a series of videos to highlight the work they do to protect the health and safety of Canadians.

More than 15,000 Canadians work in the federal public service as accident inspectors, chemical decontamination technologists, grain-handling regulators, ship and train safety inspectors, counter terrorism specialists, fishery officers, nutritional researchers and ammunition technicians.

"Their expert knowledge and skills keep our skies, seas and environment safe for all," said John Gordon, PSAC national president.

Nine out of 10 Canadians want the government to do more to protect the environment, health and safety, according to polling results by Environics released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

The study also demonstrates an overwhelming majority of Canadians want government workers, not the industries themselves, to enforce regulations.

"The prime minister needs to start listening to these Canadians," said Gordon. "Compliance with health and safety regulations needs to be strengthened."

PSAC is calling on the government to keep health and safety a priority as it prepares to table its federal budget.

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