'We are pleased to be able to recognise these young workers who are prioritising safety at the start of their careers'
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Prince Edward Island has announced the two recipients of the 2025 Safe Youth Award.
Perry MacKinnon and Ethan Murray bagged the said awards, which honours young workers who demonstrate a strong commitment to occupational health and safety (OHS) in their workplaces.
Each recipient receives a $1,000 cash prize in recognition of their achievement.
“Congratulations to the 2025 Safe Youth Award recipients,” said Danny Miller, WCB’s Director of Occupational Health and Safety. “Perry and Ethan have shown that safety is a shared responsibility and that young workers, like all workers, can contribute to a strong workplace health and safety culture. We are pleased to be able to recognise these young workers who are prioritising safety at the start of their careers and who are great role models for other young workers”.
MacKinnon, a power line technician with H-Line Enterprises, was selected in the 20–24-year age category. He was nominated as H-Line’s first Young Safety Champion for completing his training to a high standard and for his active role on the company’s Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS) Committee.
According to the WCB, MacKinnon is “known as a dedicated and safety-conscious worker” who “consistently prioritises safe practices, raises concerns to protect his crew, and demonstrates leadership on the job site”.
Murray, who works with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, received the award in the 15–19-year age category. He was recognised for his strong understanding of workers’ core rights and his proactive approach to safety, supporting initiatives such as hearing testing, noise monitoring, tracking training completions, and assisting with new worker orientation. Murray has also contributed to JOHS Committee meetings and incident investigations.
The WCB noted Murray’s “positive attitude and eagerness to learn,” stating that he has become a valued team member.
The WCB’s Safe Youth Award is presented annually to young workers in Prince Edward Island who have shown a strong commitment to understanding and applying OHS principles in their workplaces.
