CCOHS Invites Entries for First Annual Dick Martin Scholarship Award

HAMILTON, November 27, 2002 - The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is honouring the memory of a pioneer of workplace health and safety in Canada with the Dick Martin Scholarship Award. This year, three scholarships of $1000 each will be awarded to students enrolled in an Occupational Health and Safety related course or program at any Canadian college or university leading to an occupational health and safety certificate, diploma or degree.

To apply for the award, post-secondary students are invited to submit an essay on a topic that best fits their aspirations in the field of OH&S. Entries will be judged on their knowledge of the subject matter, understanding the principles and values of Dick Martin, and understanding the role of CCOHS.

Entry deadline for the first Dick Martin Scholarship Award is January 31, 2003.

The Dick Martin Scholarship Award was created in recognition of Mr. Martin’s valuable contribution to CCOHS as one of its governors; his powerful voice for the rights of workers; his commitment to securing justice for working men and women; and, promoting action to protect people’s environments inside and outside the workplace.

Mr Martin rose through the ranks as a member of the United Steelworkers of America, to President of his local in Thompson, Manitoba and to President of the Manitoba Federation of Labour. He served as Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and was acclaimed as the CLC’s Secretary-Treasurer. Mr. Martin was elected president of the 43-million member Inter-American Regional Labour Organization. He was instrumental in establishing April 28 as the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job – a day that is now observed around the world.

Following Mr. Martin’s untimely passing from cancer in October 2001, monetary donations were received by CCOHS, in his memory, for support of CCOHS’ Dick Martin Scholarship Award.

A copy of the application form is posted on the CCOHS Web site, www.ccohs.ca and submissions may be made electronically. For more information, contact the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety at 1-800-668-4284 or e-mail scholarship@ccohs.ca

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Eleanor Irwin, Manager - Marketing, Sales and Communications

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

905/572-2981, Ext. 4408

Email: eleanori@ccohs.ca