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Workplace Project >> Ontario Healthy Workplace Coalition
Brief History
In May 2005 a brief letter was sent to Larry Hershfield, Manager of The Health Communication Unit identifying regional and national gaps within workplace health. In addition to identifying these gaps, recommendations were made and among these was a recommendation to form a provincial association.
From February Fall 2005-February 2006 an Association Planning Committee was formed. A draft strategic plan and draft terms of reference was developed. As well, plans for a March gathering began to determine interest from a new body.
In March 2006, The Health Communication Unit (THCU) organized a gathering called Building a Future for Healthy Workplaces: A Provincial Gathering. to open discussion with workplace health stakeholders about this topic and to determine interest in forming a coalition. The well-attended gathering sparked much interest, and generated support to move ahead on planning for an independent, not-for-profit body.
In June 2006 the Ontario Healthy Workplace Coalition Acting Steering Committee was formed.
From July 2006-February 2007 the Strategic Plan and Terms of Reference were refined. As well, plans for a March Symposium and Steering Committee May election began.
The Ontario Healthy Workplace Coalition Symposium: Taking the First Step Together was held in March 2007 and with over 100 attendees.
An election was held in May 2007 to choose the Steering Committee members. Subsequent to the steering committee election, a transition meeting was held in July 2007 that included the members of the acting steering committee and the incoming steering committee. This meeting served to update and orient the new members, and to establish the operating framework for the OHWC.
On September 14, 2007 the newly-elected steering committee had its inaugural meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to chart a course for the future, beginning with the confirmation of roles and responsibilities.
At present, the OHWC now are building on their four core functions; Advocacy, Building Capacity, Communications and Resource Integration. In December 2007, Standing Committees were formed under the core functions.
In March 2008, another Workplace Health Symposium will be held in partnership between the OHWC and THCU.
The Coalition continues to develop links within the Ministry of Health Promotion, Ministry of Labour and The Forum on the Advancement of Healthy Workplaces. We hope to be able to work together toward the achievement of our complementary goals.
Purpose
The purpose of the Ontario Healthy Workplace Coalition is to serve as a unifying structure across the province, helping to facilitate communication among workplace health stakeholders, coordinating resources to address duplication and gaps, and advocating for the importance of using a comprehensive approach to create healthy and safe workplaces in Ontario.
Strategic Plan
Click here to download the strategic plan [PDF, 5 pages, 30Kb]
Terms of Reference
The draft terms of reference [PDF, 12 pages, 90Kb] will provide you with more information about the Coalition and proposed structure. The terms of reference also outline the elected positions on the Steering Committee. This is a working document that is being finalized by the Steering Committee and the updated version will be posted.
Ontario Healthy Workplace Coalition Acting Steering Committee
- Irmajean Bajnok, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, Vice Chair
- Shaun Baylis, Human Solutions, Advocacy Lead
- Sandra Bozzo, Ontario Ministry of Labour, Building Capacity Lead
- Cathi Carr, Workplace Safety & Insurance Board, Communication Lead
- Janet Carr, Ottawa Public Health, Co-Chair
- Norma Gibson-MacDonald, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, Resource Integration Lead
- Judy Kerling, Region of Peel, Co-Chair
- Raymond Langlois, Peel Public Health, Treasurer
- Vic Pakalnis, Queen’s University
- The Health Communication Unit, OHWC Secretariat
The OHWC Progress Updates
The OHWC Steering Committee Meeting Minutes
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact the Coalition Secretariat, Jessica Elgie (jelgie@thcu.ca or 416-978-0595).
