Corporate

1 | WSPS.CA/AnnualReport Ontario declared a state of emergency in March 2020. As COVID-19 infiltrated our lives, workplaces struggled to manoeuvre in new and uncharted territory. Requirements and regulations changed constantly, as a steady stream of new information about the nature and control of the virus came to light. Essential businesses, including those in our critical food supply chain, were expected to operate with little or no time to prepare. Non-essential businesses faced shutdown. Uncertainty, anxiety, and fear permeated Ontario's communities like fog. While the pandemic has resulted in incalculable pain and loss, and we have many miles yet to go, we have also realized transcendent gains. At Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), last year will always be remembered as the time we travelled to beyond normal, the time when everything familiar was shaken and stirred by pandemic imperatives. In 2020, health and safety soared to the top of everyone's priority list. It became a conversation everyone was having and owning; indeed, was passionate about. And we mean everyone—from the village grocer, to mothers, fathers, and grandchildren. Suddenly, it was far easier to win attention for innovative methods to address prevention challenges. Approaches that had always worked well— collaboration and teamwork among industry, government, workplaces—became even better. Safety professionals became the face of pandemic strategy in Ontario workplaces, as they trod demanding, and often exhilarating, new paths to keep businesses running smoothly, while ensuring their communities and employees remained safe and healthy. Some of these stories, from a WSPS perspective, can be found on the pages of this report. Responding to the pandemic —and moving past it—are mission critical for WSPS and the world. Facing the challenges has given rise to the best of Canada, the best of what it is to be Canadian, every stakeholder teaming up to face a common threat against health and safety. Letter from the President and CEO and Board Chair Lynn Brownell President & CEO Marianne Matichuk Board Chair

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