Annual award program recognizes Ontario leaders in public safety
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Safety Awards, which celebrate outstanding leadership in Ontario’s public safety.
Each year, TSSA Safety Awards honour individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Ontario’s public safety in TSSA’s regulated sectors: Fuels; Boilers and Pressure Vessels and Operating Engineers; Elevating and Amusement Devices and Ski Lifts.
Access the online nomination form on TSSA’s website to nominate an individual or organization working in TSSA’s regulated sectors. Nominations are open until June 1, 2026 (Monday).
There are two award categories:
- Impact Awards recognize notable contributions, initiatives or projects that deliver positive safety outcomes and go above and beyond regulatory compliance.
- Legacy Awards honour individuals or organizations with a longstanding commitment to safety and a demonstrated history of safety impact.
TSSA will announce the 2026 Safety Awards recipients at its annual public meeting in the fall.
The recipients of TSSA’s Safety Awards in 2025 are as follows:
2025 Impact Safety Award Recipient: Jamie Kovacs
Jamie Kovacs, Executive Director of the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, received the Impact Award for his dedication to advancing fire safety and prevention. Partnering with fire departments across Ontario, Jamie leads a team that helps make fire safety and prevention a community priority.
As a volunteer firefighter with Central Elgin Fire Rescue since 2018, Jamie responds to more than 100 fire and carbon monoxide calls each year — living out his commitment to protecting others well beyond his professional role. He also works diligently with the Central Elgin communities to promote fire safety messages and educate the public on the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Watch the video; read the story.
2025 Legacy Safety Award Recipient: Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program (CEIEP)
The Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program was honoured with the Legacy Award for its safety leadership and delivery of safety education and apprenticeship programs for elevator constructor apprentices and mechanics since its establishment in 1967. As the sole training provider offering a foundational apprenticeship program and continuing education for certified elevator mechanics, CEIEP plays an instrumental role in developing in-school curriculum standards for apprenticeship training and creating the initial TSSA-approved curriculum and workbooks focusing on safety and maintenance. Its comprehensive approach to safety education, which focuses on both technical competencies and human well-being, positively impacts worker safety within the elevating devices industry. Watch the video; read the story.
About TSSA
Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services includes public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has expanded the suite of online services on the Client Portal. Beginning on March 16, 2026, all engineering submissions and exam and certification services are accessible through the Client Portal ─ a centralized gateway to TSSA’s online services.
Moving more core services online demonstrates TSSA’s continued efforts to improve client experience by enhancing the accessibility of the Client Portal as a one-stop shop for doing business with TSSA.
“In 2024, we launched the Client Portal to modernize our systems so that regulated clients can focus on managing safety,” says TSSA President and CEO Bonnie Rose. “Today, the expansion of online services on the Client Portal marks our continued commitment to enhance accessibility and ease of doing business with TSSA.”
Making more services accessible online enhances visibility by allowing clients to monitor the status of their applications in real time. In addition to simplifying the process for submitting design and engineering applications for regulated equipment, the step-by-step approach of online submissions makes it easier for clients to provide the required information and supporting documents.
As a result of implementing enhancements, turnaround times for processing engineering applications and issuing certificates have improved significantly. As TSSA continues to meet faster turnaround times going forward, expedited services for engineering are no longer available except for unforeseen, emergency situations.
On the training and professional certification front, integrating exam and certification services into the Client Portal improves user experience. Streamlining the exam-application process shortens the time it takes to become certified for professionals seeking to work in a TSSA-regulated industry.
Watch the video to learn about the improvements brought about by moving more services online and how it enhances ease of doing business with TSSA.
For assistance or inquiries on the Client Portal, please contact TSSA’s Customer Contact Centre at 1-877-682-8772 or refer to the self-help resources on TSSA’s website.
Engineering Service Changes by Industry
Exam & Certification Services Changes
This news was shared with all TSSA clients.
TSSA customers will be able to access more online services through the TSSA Client Portal as of March 16, 2026.
If you are not a current user of the TSSA Client Portal, follow these instructions to sign up. After creating access to the Client Portal, you need to link your profile to your existing TSSA account to perform transactions, submit applications and access online services.
Expanding Digital Access for Clients
Moving more services online supports TSSA’s commitment to improving the client experience. By digitizing and streamlining key processes, we can integrate more core services into the Client Portal – the gateway to TSSA’s online services.
Automating services increases clients’ ability to self-serve and access real-time application status and information. Online services provide clear, step-by-step instructions that make it easier for clients to provide the required information and supporting documents, hence reducing incomplete submissions that can delay processing time.
New services available on the Client Portal starting March include:
- Engineering submissions
- Certification and Exam Services: Apply online for examinations, reinstate certificates, apply for a certificate if you’re from outside Ontario, and obtain Training Provider accreditation. Examinations will be done in-person on a computer at dedicated exam centres.
Account users can continue to access existing services on the Client Portal:
- Submit and pay for applications available on the Client Portal. Please use the Prepayment Portal for other applications.
- View and download inspection reports, permits, licences, or certificates
- View issued orders
- Update your account and contact information
- Sign up for paperless invoicing
Stay tuned for further updates as TSSA moves more services online.
For more information on the Client Portal, please refer to the FAQs.
This news was shared with all TSSA customers.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is launching the 2026 Customer Value Survey to improve the value of the service we provide to individuals and organizations that TSSA regulates.
Regulated clients have been notified of the survey. They will receive a survey invitation from the research firm, Forum Research Inc. (survey@forumresearch.com). The survey should take approximately ten minutes or less to complete, and responses will remain confidential. TSSA will not have access to individual survey responses, and data from the survey will only be reported in aggregate form.
The Customer Value Survey will run from January 16 to February 8, 2026.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) brought together industry partners, stakeholders, government leaders, and members of the public for its Annual Public Meeting on September 25, 2025.
Board Chair RJ Falconi kicked off the hybrid (in-person and online) event by highlighting TSSA’s progress as an Outcome-Based Regulator and noting key partnership efforts with the Ontario government. He also acknowledged Board membership, introducing current members, thanking outgoing Board members Connie Graham, Elaine Pitcher, and Brian Chu for their years of dedicated service, and welcoming new members Michael Rencheck and Michael Burjaw to the Board.
Ontario’s Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, the Honourable Stephen Crawford, shared a special message recognizing TSSA’s leadership in maintaining high safety standards and its role in supporting the province’s resilience and prosperity.
Safety Strategy in Review
Members of TSSA’s Executive Leadership Team took to the stage to present current and forward-looking initiatives. President and CEO Bonnie Rose reflected on a strong fiscal year 2025 (FY25), highlighting key initiatives delivered across all four strategic themes while previewing priorities for fiscal year 2026, with a continued focus on advancing Outcome-Based Regulator goals.
On the safety front, Tom Ayres, Vice President of Policy, Legal and General Counsel, reported on FY25 results, highlighting fewer permanent injuries and stable incident rates—attributing the outcomes in part to strong collaboration across the safety community. Alexandra Campbell, Vice President of Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Service, echoed the importance of collaboration across the entire safety system (industries, partners, and stakeholders), sharing examples of the impact data-driven partnership efforts have had on awareness levels and enhanced safety outcomes.
Honouring Safety Champions
The meeting also celebrated this year’s Safety Award winners — Jamie Kovacs, Impact Award Recipient, and Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program (CEIEP), Legacy Award Recipient — for their outstanding contributions to public safety! Congratulations Jamie and CEIEP!
At the event, TSSA announced its latest corporate disclosures, including its Annual Report 2025, Public Safety Report 2025, and Business Plan 2026, all of which are now available at TSSA.org. Access the reports here:
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) celebrated outstanding public safety leadership at its 2025 Safety Awards, honouring the achievements of Jamie Kovacs and the Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program (CEIEP) during its Annual Public Meeting on September 25.
The annual TSSA Safety Awards, a nomination-based program, recognizes individuals and organizations in TSSA-regulated sectors that have made significant contributions to public safety in Ontario. By shining a light on these efforts, TSSA celebrates and aims to inspire exceptional commitment to safety standards and practices across the province.
“Safety is a shared responsibility, and it’s essential to recognize the dedication of those who go above and beyond to enhance safety in our regulated sectors,” said Bonnie Rose, President and CEO of TSSA. “I warmly congratulate this year’s winners, Jamie Kovacs and Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program, for their leadership and for serving as powerful examples of how innovation and diligence can drive meaningful progress in safety practices.”
Each year, nominations are accepted in two award categories: the Impact Award, for significant contributions, initiatives, or projects that demonstrate safety excellence or exceed regulatory compliance; and the Legacy Award, for sustained safety conscientiousness shown by individuals or organizations.
TSSA Impact Safety Award Recipient: Jamie Kovacs
Harnessing passion to drive fire safety
Jamie Kovacs, Executive Director of the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, received the Impact Award for his dedication to advancing fire safety and prevention. Partnering with fire departments across Ontario, Jamie leads a team that helps make fire safety and prevention a community priority.
As a volunteer firefighter with Central Elgin Fire Rescue since 2018, Jamie responds to more than 100 fire and carbon monoxide calls each year — living out his commitment to protecting others well beyond his professional role. He also works diligently with the Central Elgin communities to promote fire safety messages and educate the public on the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
“Jamie’s unwavering dedication to fire safety advocacy is commendable,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of Fuels Safety Program with TSSA. “His hands-on service and passion for protecting communities through public education on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make him a true champion of prevention.”
Watch a video of Jamie or read his story here.
TSSA Legacy Safety Award Recipient: Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program (CEIEP)
Beyond Compliance: Recognizing a legacy of elevating safety standards
The Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program was honoured with the Legacy Award for its safety leadership and delivery of safety education and apprenticeship programs for elevator constructor apprentices and mechanics since its establishment in 1967.
As the sole training provider offering a foundational apprenticeship program and continuing education for certified elevator mechanics, CEIEP plays an instrumental role in developing in-school curriculum standards for apprenticeship training and creating the initial TSSA-approved curriculum and workbooks focusing on safety and maintenance.
Its comprehensive approach to safety education, which focuses on both technical competencies and human well-being, positively impacts worker safety within the elevating devices industry.
“CEIEP is a cornerstone of safety education in Ontario’s elevating devices sector,” said AJ Kadirgamar, Director of Elevating and Amusement Devices with TSSA. “We are proud to honour CEIEP for its enduring leadership and commitment to advancing safety codes and protecting workers and the public through education.”
CEIEP continues to influence industry regulations by participating in industry advisory boards, shaping training standards and certification policies by contributing to the development of safety codes for elevators and escalators.
Watch a video of CEIEP or read its story here.
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-2728
Email: media@tssa.org
A possible disruption to postal services could begin in late May that would impact the delivery of paper invoices and mailed authorizations from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). We’re monitoring the situation and reaching out to help our regulated clients stay informed and to navigate potential mail disruption.
To ensure you continue to remain compliant and up-to-date, we encourage using the TSSA Client Portal to download certificates, registrations, licences and other authorizations. As the receipt of cheques may also be affected, we encourage clients to view outstanding invoices and pay for invoices on the Client Portal, as well as sign up for paperless invoicing. This is the best way to manage your account.
Clients can submit the following high-volume applications through the Client Portal:
Inspection Scheduling:
- Request for Installation Inspection of a Boiler & Pressure Vessel (BPV)
- Request for BPV Inspections: New Manufacturing (Shop Fabrication), Repair, Alteration, Welder/Brazer
Public Information:
- Public Information Requests for documents
Training, Certifications & Exams:
- Request an exam booking
Customer Management:
- Request for Change of Ownership (for customers of Fuels and Elevating & Amusement Devices only)
- Register in Ontario as a Fuel Safety Contractor
- Request for Ontario Licence to Transport Fuel
Boilers & Pressure Vessels:
- Apply for BPV Design Registration
- Request for BPV Variance
Licensing & Registrations:
- Renew Amusement Device Permit
Applications not offered on the Client Portal can be submitted through the Prepayment Portal to:
- Prepay and submit forms and supporting documents electronically
- Download a payment receipt
- Associate a payment with an invoice
Stay tuned for updates.
This news item was sent to all TSSA customers.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is proud to announce that it has been recognized—once again—with a 5-Star Safety Cultures Award by Canadian Occupational Safety (COS) magazine. This marks the fourth consecutive year that TSSA has received this national honour, which celebrates Canadian organizations for their exceptional commitment to building and sustaining a strong culture of safety.
“Receiving this award for the fourth year in a row is a tremendous honour and a meaningful validation of our commitment to safety,” said TSSA’s President and CEO, Bonnie Rose. “Our journey to becoming a modern, Outcome-Based Regulator depends on fostering a collaborative mindset and a strong safety culture throughout our organization—and these are instrumental in driving our transformation forward.”
The 5-Star Safety Cultures Award is given to organizations that exemplify excellence in fostering robust workplace safety cultures and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to proactive risk management, comprehensive training, and employee engagement. Nominated by COS magazine, TSSA was shortlisted as a finalist for the award following a comprehensive submission outlining its internal safety initiatives. In the next qualifying round, a cross-section of TSSA employees participated in a safety culture satisfaction survey, resulting in an overall satisfaction rating exceeding 80 percent.
A core value at TSSA, safety is central to the work done every day by employees across the organization. The award reflects the dedication of TSSA’s team to creating a safe and healthy workplace and advancing safety for the people of Ontario.
To learn more about the 5-Star Safety Cultures Award and the organizations recognized this year, view the, see the special report here.
For more information about TSSA’s outcome-based regulatory model and how it supports risk-informed safety oversight, visit www.tssa.org.
For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Please note the TSSA Client Portal will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on:
Date: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM to 11:59 PM
During this period, the portal will be temporarily unavailable. To ensure uninterrupted service, please complete transactions initiated on January 31, 2025 before 4:00 PM.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause as we make these system enhancements.