British Columbia - 1st to commit to a Canadian SAW/RTW

A group in British Columbia has just decided to hold a Summit in November, 2008! People from several BC organizations held their own feasibility meeting this week to decide whether it makes sense to bring the 60 Summits Project idea there. The meeting was apparently a great success. There was strong multistakeholder support for the content of the ACOEM work disability prevention guideline and a wish to be associated with the 60 Summits Project. They agreed to aim at an initial summit in November of this year.

The first planning meeting is tentatively set for Feb 13th at which time the organizational structure will be established. Dr. Larry Myette, Director of Strategic Workplace Health for the Healthcare Benefit Trust that manages benefits for many of the healthcare employers in BC, convened the feasibility meeting and has agreed to serve as interim chair of the group. Among other attendees at the
feasibility session were WorkSafeBC and the Canadian Institute for the Relief of Pain & Disability.

If you wish to help plan the BC Summit or simply be invited to the actual event, contact Dr. Myette, who can be reached at: (250) 479-4089.