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The Commission’s structure

A Council of Governors, representing industry, labour, and the federal, provincial and territorial governments, presides over the Commission. As well as overseeing the work of the Commission, the Council makes recommendations to the Minister of Health on matters such as changes to policies, procedures and fees.

The President and Chief Executive Officer is appointed by the Governor in Council, and supervises and directs the Commission’s day-to-day work. The President is accountable to the Council of Governors and to the Minister of Health.

The Vice-President of Operations directs the work of the MSDS Compliance, Screening and Client Services divisions. The Vice-President of Corporate Services and Adjudication directs the work of the Corporate Services, Regulatory Affairs and Appeals, and Communications divisions.

A Senior Management Committee (SMC) brings together the six Division Directors. SMC deals with day-to-day management issues, and helps coordinate the tasks that cut across Division and Branch boundaries. The Executive Committee consists of the two Vice-Presidents and the Commission’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and deals with long-term strategic and policy matters.

Council of Governors (as of March 31, 2003)

In December 2002, Council Chair Geoffrey Bawden was awarded a commemorative medal for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. The medal recognizes Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, to their community or to Canada. As a member of the HMIRC Council of Governors since 1994, and Chair since 1996, Mr. Bawden has made a significant contribution to the Commission and its Council, and to enhancing workplace safety and health in Canada.