Flynn hopes to change job safety stats, especially for youths continued from p.1 "It's all about creating that balanced workplace for the people of Ontario so employers feel that they're being treated fairly and employees feel like they're being treated fairly as well." Among Flynn's list of priorities is tackling occupational health and safety issues. The 59-year-old veteran Town, regional and provincial politician said his ministry is also receiving important feedback from a mining review taking place in northern Ontario. "We've got some of the safest mines in the world here in Ontario, but that doesn't mean we can't make them more safe," said Flynn. "Health and safety is a major priority with the Ministry of Labour. There have been a number of fatalities this year and workplace injuries continue to be on the decline, but stubbornly, the fatality rate still remains where it is and I'd like to do something about that. "A lot of people don't realize that the time you're most vulnerable to workplace injury is in the first two weeks of your very first job so what I want to do is get out to each and every one of the high schools," he said. Noting as of July 1 employers will be required to provide a health and safety orientation to new employees, Flynn added it's particularly important for those who are starting their first job. Flynn, who served as parliamentary assistant for several ministries over the past eight years, but never as a minister, was first appointed Ontario's Minister of Labour in March following the departure of Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Linda Jeffrey, who resigned the position to run for the job of mayor of Brampton. That resulted in a cabinet shuffle and Flynn took over as Minister of Labour from Yasir Naqvi, who moved to the Community Safety and Correctional Services portfolio. Flynn is one of numerous cabinet Kevin Flynn members staying put in the role they had before the provincial election. There are now 23 ministries in the Ontario government. The cabinet features four new members, including Dr. Eric Hoskins replacing Deb Matthews as health minister. "I'm so proud of this government, in the fact that we achieved majority government when some people thought perhaps that wasn't in the cards," added Flynn. "I want to thank the people of Oakville for electing me. It was a hard-fought campaign. I think we put all the issues out on the table," he continued. "I'm really pleased to see the people of Burlington and Milton went the same way as well and decided it was time for a majority government led by Premier Wynne and to be part of that cabinet, it allows me to bring the concerns of Oakville to the table and to bring the skills and background that I have to the Ministry of Labour." Flynn said he'll bring a balanced approach to his role, having spent most of his life as an entrepreneur and in small business. He said he is as comfortable in the "union hall" as he is in a board room and believes his skill set will help him excel. Flynn and his wife, Janice, have one son, Nigel. Flynn was first elected to represent the riding of Oakville in 2003 and was re-elected in 2007, 2011 and 2014. Prior to his election, Flynn owned a successful local business, while serving as an Oakville Town and Halton Regional councillor for more than 18 years and winning six consecutive elections. -- with files from David Lea 3 | Thursday, June 26, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com SAVE WHEN YOU SPEND $50 OR MORE ON ANYTHING IN THE STORE. EXPIRES July 31, 2014 SOME EXCEPTIONS APPLY. BEFORE TAXES. MUST PRESENT COUPON AT TIME OF PURCHASE. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. $10 SAVE WHEN YOU SPEND $100 OR MORE ON ANYTHING IN THE STORE. EXPIRES July 31, 2014 SOME EXCEPTIONS APPLY. BEFORE TAXES. MUST PRESENT COUPON AT TIME OF PURCHASE. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. $20 $20 511 Maple Grove Dr. Oakville 289-644-2464 www.comfortclinic.ca info@comfortclinic.ca WATCH US WOMEN ON ALL CASUAL CLOTHES Includes: Tribal Cartise Robert Kitchen Select Frank Lyman & Joseph Ribkoff Select Anne Klein & Nine West Shoes Nothinghill Gate 30 %OFF SALE INJURED? I Can Help! YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca 1131 Nottinghill Gate GLEN ABBEY OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Speers Rd. 4th Line 905-827-2271 Pilgrams Way N. Service Rd. QEW Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law