Subscribe to News
Back to SearchContact Us
SAFETY LEADERS SHARE INSIGHTS AT LEAGUE OF CHAMPIONS AGM
While health and safety on construction sites have come a long way thanks to organizations like the League of Champions (LOC), the message remains clear — there’s still more work to be done.
At the LOC’s Annual General Meeting, held October 16 at the Lionhead Golf Club and Conference Centre in Brampton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini emphasized the continued importance of safety in light of a recent tragedy. Just two days earlier, a gas explosion at a Toronto highrise site sent seven workers to hospital — four with life-threatening injuries.
“I actually just came from the hospital where I met some of the workers who were injured,” said Piccini. “This is a reminder that our work is not done. We have a lot more to do to protect workers and keep people safe.”
Piccini spoke about the emotional impact of visiting injured workers and how such incidents reinforce the need for vigilance. “Regardless of what you do, you want to leave your family in the morning and come home safely after a rewarding day of work,” he said.
He also highlighted key government efforts to improve safety, including collaboration with Skilled Trades Ontario and a historic doubling of women registering in apprenticeship programs. Youth participation in skilled trades is also on the rise, with more 15–24-year-olds entering the industry than in recent years.
Putting politics aside, Piccini noted that cross-country cooperation is essential: “At our Labour Ministers Table, we’re working on health and safety harmonization — including programs like Working at Heights. Rising tides raise all ships.”
Piccini was presented with his own League of Champions jersey, a symbol of commitment to safety excellence. Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer Joel Moody also attended, joining LOC leaders in welcoming 16 new member organizations and announcing the 2025–2026 Board of Directors.
Outgoing chair Harold Reinders reflected on his mission to challenge leaders to move beyond policy and toward cultural change. “We have to change the way we think,” he said. “We have to lead by example.”
Incoming chair Stephen Agla, Director of EHS at Aecon, outlined the LOC’s priorities for the coming year, including:
-
Establishing a new funding agreement with the Chief Prevention Officer.
-
Expanding member outreach and safety program support.
-
Creating a roster of safety experts and champions.
-
Collaborating with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to advance mental wellbeing and Fit for Duty initiatives.
“Collectively, we are stronger,” said Agla.
Educational sessions at the AGM covered key safety topics, including Working Near Powerlines, presented by Patience Cathcart of the Electrical Safety Authority, who noted encouraging progress. “We’ve seen a significant decrease in construction sector contacts with powerlines,” she reported, adding that fatalities from fire and electrocution have declined over the past decade. “These safety programs are working — please don’t stop. Do more if you can.”
John McGuire and Cam Dougherty of Cooper Equipment Rentals also led a session on preventing trench collapses, rounding out a day dedicated to learning and leadership.
The League welcomed the following new members:
Barclay Constructors, York1, Salus, Milwaukee, The Home Depot Pro, Stephenson’s, Utilities Kingston, Paquette & Associates, Corfix, Nedlaw Roofs, Safety First Training, Electrical Safety Authority, Broccolini, Multi-Tech, and BuildSafe.