Our efforts to restore balance to labour relations, cut red tape, increase self-reliance in the workplace and provide enhanced protection to employees, have all done their part to create this positive environment for economic growth. As Minister of Labour, I am especially satisfied to know that everyone in Ontario's workplaces is seeing the benefits of a better economic climate. As well there has been a continuing improvement in making our workplaces among the safest in the world, with a lost-time injury rate that continues to drop by an average of six per cent each year. Even as we have shown leadership, both in economic management and by introducing workplace reforms, we have also listened to what large and small businesses, employees and communities have been saying. People from a variety of Ontario's workplaces have told us that a stable labour relations climate, coupled with a safe, healthy working environment, results in a productive, competitive workplace.
Good planning makes for good management.
As we continue to move forward together, I am confident that this business plan will allow all Ontarians to take advantage of the economic opportunities that are now before us. Our vision is a province which encourages new investment, jobs and prosperity and which has labour laws and regulations designed to seize the opportunities of the global economy and workplaces of the 21 st century. To realize this vision, the ministry is developing and implementing reforms to all major labour legislation to create a more flexible and responsive legal and regulatory framework. This will enable us to create an environment that makes Ontario workplaces among the safest in the world, where people are treated fairly and where employers and employees work together productively. Safe, fair and harmonious workplaces are essential to the social and economic well-being of the people of Ontario.