CPO announces departure
After three years of service in the role of Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer, Ron Kelusky has announced his departure.
The news was revealed by Council of Ontario Construction Associations president Ian Cunningham in a release to COCA members. Kelusky indicated he would step down from his post effective July 26.
Under Kelusky’s leadership, the prevention division at the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development developed a yet-to-be-released five-year prevention strategy, worked on the Demers Review on occupational cancer and the Speers Review of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, and cooperated with stakeholders across industry during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver rapid antigen screening to essential construction workers and develop more than 200 guidance notes for employers of specific industries to keep workers safe while working throughout the pandemic.
In a staff memo, Greg Meredith, deputy minister at the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, praised Kelusky for his experience and service.
“He was always willing to collaborate across our ministry and across the Ontario public service, and he has been a tremendous support to the ministry and to industry throughout the pandemic. There will be a noticeable gap at the Senior Management Table, where Ron’s quick wit always lightened our hearts. No matter how stressful the situation, Ron gave clear advice while also inserting his unique brand of humour. I will miss Ron, as will his colleagues and stakeholders across the industry.”
Prior to assuming the role of Chief Prevention Officer, Kelusky was the president and chief executive officer of the Public Services Health and Safety Association, the director general and the national executive lead for health programs with the Canadian Red Cross, and the vice-president and chief operating officer of the March and Dimes.
His successor has yet to be announced.