The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Mike Goosney, Minister of Government Services:

Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize excellence in workplace health and safety and to congratulate David Mills, recipient of the Safety Leader Award from the Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Health and Safety Association.

The association held its annual health and safety conference and trade show in Gander earlier this month, bringing together workers, employers and safety professionals from across the province to promote injury prevention and safer workplaces.

The Safety Leader Award recognizes individuals who lead by example and demonstrate that putting safety first can save lives and prevent injuries. These leaders promote safe work practices, inspire others to be safety-minded, and help build a strong culture of safety that protects workers, families and communities.

David Mills, a powerline technician with Newfoundland Power, exemplifies this leadership. By consistently putting safety first, planning work carefully, and supporting others to do the same, he sets the standard for responsible and safe work.

Supporting healthy and safe workplaces is key to building safer communities. I thank the association for its leadership and ask all members to join me in congratulating David Mills on this well-deserved award.

Thank you, Speaker.