Media Advisory

Mayor, Councillor Reminded to Think “Safety First”

(Tuesday, March 7/06)-- Health Promotion and Protection Minister Barry Barnet dropped by City Hall today, bearing gifts for Mayor Peter Kelly and Councillor Dawn Sloane-- brand new safety helmets.

Minister Barnet was subtly reminding the two that they should always wear safety helmets and other protective equipment when skateboarding, riding bicycles etc.

Photos of the Mayor and the Councillor appeared in local newspapers last week, showing them riding on skateboards on the Halifax Commons without helmets or pads. They were attending an event to accept a donation of $10,000 from a skateboard manufacturer towards the cost of a new skateboard park being built there. Both admitted they were caught up in the spirit of the moment, and later issued public apologies for setting a bad example to others by not protecting themselves from injury.

Minister Barnet said “I thought the helmets would serve as helpful reminders to Mayor Kelly, Councillor Sloane and others to always be safe. As public figures, they can send the right message to young skateboarders and others that helmets help to prevent brain injuries and other safety gear helps to prevent broken bones and other injuries. Skateboarding is fun, but we want to keep it safe.”

Mayor Kelly and Councillor Sloane thanked the Minister for the gifts and promised to wear them in the future, whenever the occasion arises.

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Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010

Councillor Dawn Sloane
(902) 488-4812