Media Contacts

Ministry of Labour

Media Relations
250 508-5030

Backgrounders

Biographies for new and re-appointed board members

Michelle Laurie:

Laurie is a United Steelworkers staff representative. Previously, she was president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Active in her community, she is vice-president of the BC Federation of Labour. She was previously chair of the B.C. Citizens for Public Power and president of the Electrical Industry Training Institute Ltd.

Lee Loftus:

Loftus has served as business manager of the BC Insulators Union from 2008 to present, as well as from 1992-99. He has been president of the workers compensation act BC Building Trades since 2009, and previously served on the board of governors for the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Council. He has a long history of serving on boards, associations, committees and councils, including the Canadian Standards Association, Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, Insulation Industry Apprenticeship Board, Vancouver and District Metal Trades Council, as well as various WorkSafeBC committees.

Brooks Patterson:

Patterson is the safety manager for Norland Limited (formerly the Pacific Group of Companies), which operates a number of construction companies. He has extensive experience in occupational health and safety and holds certification as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional. He has extensive board experience, including roles as past chair of the BC Construction Safety Alliance and secretary-treasurer of SkillPlan.

Lillian White:

White is president of Treen Safety, a Vancouver-based company that specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of health, safety and protective equipment. She served as both chair and director of the BC Assessment Authority, and is a certified general accountant. In 2002 she was recognized by the Association for Women in Finance with the PEAK award for performance and excellence.