News Release

1995-70
October 23, 1995

Minister announces appointment to the Hazardous Materials Information Review Commission

OTTAWA - Health Minister Diane Marleau is pleased to announce the appointment of Albert MacDonald to the Council of Governors of the Hazardous Materials Information Review Commission as a governor representing the Government of Prince Edward Island.

Mr. MacDonald is currently Director, Planning and Inspection Services Division of Prince Edward Island's Department of Provincial Affairs and Attorney General.

The Hazardous Materials Information Review Commission is an independent agency which makes decisions on claims made by employers and suppliers for exemption from the full disclosure requirement of National Office of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, on the basis that disclosure would reveal their confidential business information.

The Hazardous Materials Information Review Commission plays an important role in the implementation of the National Office of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.

National Office of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System is a national information system, coordinated by the federal government, to improve worker protection and to reduce the incidence of illnesses and injuries resulting from the use of hazardous materials in the workplace. Information regarding the hazards of materials produced, sold or used in Canadian workplaces must be provided by suppliers to employers and in turn to employees.

The Commission also reviews the materials safety data sheets and labels related to the claims, for compliance with National Office of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System requirements, and convenes independent boards to hear appeals of its decisions and orders.

The Council of Governors includes representatives from a wide cross-section of labour, industry and federal, provincial and territorial governments, reflecting the stakeholder profile within National Office of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.

Information:Gayle Morris
Special Assistant Communications
Minister's Office
(613)957-0200