CCIL Leadership Award Winners: For Safeguarding the Public and the Environment

TORONTO, April 28, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Council of Independent Laboratories today announced the recipients of the CCIL Leadership Awards.

At a luncheon event in Toronto, four award winners were honoured for safeguarding the public and the environment. They are:

• Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services
• Ontario One Call (ON1Call)
• MPP Robert Bailey (Sarnia – Lambton)
• MPP Paul Miller (Hamilton East – Stoney Creek)

All were recognized for their role in the development and implementation of the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act. The Act received Royal Assent on June 19, 2012. It mandates Ontario One Call to serve as a single point-of-contact for all underground utility locates.

"This is an extremely important piece of legislation for many CCIL members who provide geotechnical engineering services including the independent testing of soil and water conditions at future construction locations," said CCIL President Jeffrey Pike. "This testing necessitates the drilling of boreholes, and CCIL members rely heavily on Ontario One Call to facilitate underground locates."

MPPs Robert Bailey and Paul Miller were honoured for co-sponsoring the Private Member's Bill (Bill 8) that was ultimately passed into legislation. The Ministry of Consumer Services was recognized for overseeing the development of regulations, and for being open and responsive to input from stakeholders. Ontario One Call was honoured for listening to concerns about delays in obtaining clearances and for identifying solutions.

The legislation and regulations, when fully implemented, will protect critically important infrastructure while streamlining and speeding up the process.

The Honourable Tracy MacCharles, Ontario Minister of Consumer Services, accepted the award on behalf of the ministry. The award to Ontario One Call was accepted by Jamie Milner, Chair of the Board.

CCIL represents the private-sector, independent testing laboratories in Canada.

With more than 330 facilities across the country, CCIL members play a vital role in protecting the safety of food, water and manufactured products, the integrity of roads and buildings, and the health of the environment.

Because CCIL members are independent, their testing results are known and trusted for being accurate, objective and unbiased.

Private-sector, independent testing labs are part of a $2.3-billion industry in Canada. The sector employs thousands of knowledge workers, engages in significant research and development, and invests in advanced technology and equipment.

Go to www.ccil.com to learn more.

SOURCE: Canadian Council of Independent Laboratories

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