News Release                   For Immediate Release

March 4, 2004

Provincial Road Safety Award Goes to CFOS

Ontario Transportation Minister Harindar Takhar awarded a local radio station for media excellence.  Manny Paiva, News Director of CFOS Radio News at Bayshore Broadcasting in Owen Sound, was recognized for outstanding achievement in the category of Media Excellence in Road User Safety at the Ontario Injury Prevention Conference held in Toronto. The Ministry of Transportation chose CFOS News because of its extensive promotion of community programs that deal with road safety issues.

“Promoting programs such as Operation Lookout, car seat clinics, and MADD’s drinking and driving campaigns contribute greatly to keeping Grey Bruce residents safe,” says Linda Yenssen, Public Health Nurse at the Grey Bruce Health Unit.  “We consider CFOS News to be a key partner in promoting injury prevention initiatives and we thank them for their commitment to the field of road user safety.”

The road safety awards are given out each year for outstanding achievement in seven categories that contribute to improving road safety in Ontario. Other 2003 Road Safety Achievement Award winners were recognized in these categories: 

§         Professional Achievement in Road User Safety:  Sgt. Bob Paterson, OPP, Caledon detachment

§         Volunteer Achievement in Road User Safety:  Mike Ouellette, volunteer and founder of the Motor Vehicle Crash Prevention Committee, Sudbury

§         Corporate Leadership and Excellence in Road User Safety:  Tim Hortons’ outlets in Durham Region

§         Corporate Leadership and Excellence in Road User Safety:  The Co-operators

§         Road Safety Partnership:  Bus Buddies, Timmins

§         Road User Safety Innovation: The Timiskaming Road Safety Coalition

“Individual and group contributions such as these help create safe and vital communities

that benefit all Ontarians,” said Transportation Minister Harindar Takhar.

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Attachments:  Photo can be e-mailed upon request.

Manny Paiva, News Director of CFOS News, at Bayshore Broadcasting in Owen Sound with the 2003 Media Award for Excellence in Road User Safety.

For more information:

Linda Yenssen,

Public Health Nurse

Grey Bruce Health Unit

, Ext. 231