To provide advice before charges, prosecute offences
Nova Scotia has hired a special prosecutor to focus on workplace safety investigations.
Alex Keaveny, a Crown attorney from Halifax, was appointed to the special prosecutions section of the Public Prosecution Service following a national search, the province said. Keaveny will provide investigators with advice before charges and prosecute offences.
"When someone is injured or dies at work, their loved ones understandably look for justice," said Kelly Regan, Nova Scotia’s labour and advanced education minister. "Keaveny’s appointment, plus a strengthened partnership among our inspectors, the police and the prosecutor’s office, will help ensure just that."
Keaveny will also be involved in education and training for safety officers and managers at the Department of Labour and Advanced Education. It will focus on what to look for during an investigation and how to effectively gather evidence to support a court case. They will also receive training focused on Criminal Code offences under Bill C-45, known as the Westray Bill.
The province is also working to identify and target high-risk companies with poor safety records.
