The second edition of 4S Consulting’s flagship event, the 4S New Horizons in Safety Leadership Summit, held on May 27, 2025, was a landmark gathering of safety advocates, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre. Guided by our commitment to strengthening Ontario’s safety culture, the summit offered cutting-edge insights, real-world tools, and a vision for a safer, more productive, and more compliant future.
The event was brilliantly moderated by Ron Kelusky, Ontario’s former Chief Prevention Officer, whose sharp wit, deep knowledge, and timely questions elevated every discussion and helped distill critical takeaways from the sessions.
The Summit began with a warm welcome from Mayor Frank Scarpitti, followed by video addresses and letters of support from the Hon. Tim Hodgson MP Markham Thornhill, MPP Logan Kanapathie, and Premier Doug Ford, who commended 4S Consulting's ongoing commitment to improving occupational health and safety.
The morning gained momentum with opening remarks by Hon. David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, who emphasized the government’s commitment to building a stronger Ontario by supporting a safer, better-trained workforce. His message was clear: safety is central to Ontario’s economic and infrastructure ambitions.
Roy Ratnavel, Vice-Chair of CI Global Asset Management and bestselling author of Prisoner #1056, delivered a deeply moving keynote that touched on resilience, immigration, and how Canada’s openness can transform lives. His personal journey—from arriving in Canada with just $50 to becoming one of Canada’s Top 50 Executives—resonated with the audience and reflected Canada’s commitment to integrating and empowering newcomers through opportunity and safety.
Luiza Savage of Sherrard Kuzz LLP presented a powerful legal workshop that turned out to be a standout session. Attendees gained a candid, eye-opening view of employer liabilities and the need for proactive legal compliance in workplace safety.
The breakfast keynote by Mike Rosenlund (Senior Manager, KPMG) made it clear that cybersecurity is now a critical component of a company’s safety program. Attendees learned how even basic gaps in systems could lead to significant business vulnerabilities—from phishing attacks to insider breaches. This session paved the way for 4Syber’s deeper dive in the afternoon workshop, showcasing strategies for building digital safety frameworks across organizational functions using real-time technology. The discussion revealed how seemingly harmless online behavior—scanning QR codes, accessing public Wi-Fi, or using personal devices—can expose organizations to risk. “It’s all about the people, not just the technology.”
Sobi Ragunathan, VP Strategy at 4S Consulting, conducted a compelling workshop on Integrated Management Systems (IMS). Participants walked away with practical frameworks and government-supported pathways to:
Sobi addressed questions live around audit challenges, subcontractor compliance, and the need for systems that are scalable for small and mid-sized businesses.
“Safety isn’t just a requirement—it’s a competitive advantage.” – Sobi Ragunathan
The panel discussion on “Responding to a Changing Economic and Political Environment” brought together influential leaders:
Together, they explored Ontario’s infrastructure investments, skilled trades challenges, policy evolution, and how businesses can respond to changing regulatory expectations while staying resilient.
At the heart of 4S Consulting’s mission is celebrating those who drive real impact. This year’s award winners exemplify leadership, innovation, and commitment to a safer Ontario:
| Award Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 4SafeCom Innovation in Safety Excellence | BEUMER Group Canada Corp. |
| Exemplary Health and Safety Culture | Hermanns Contracting Limited |
| Safety Leadership Excellence Award | Direct Construction Company Limited |
| 4S Safety Champion of the Year | Jennifer Mucha (GTAA) – Most Voted Nominee |
| Emerging Safety Luminary | Samuel Perez Montoya (The Restorers Group Inc.) |
“These individuals and organizations remind us what’s possible when safety becomes a culture, not just compliance.” – Sabesh Kanagaretnam, CEO and President, 4S Consulting Services
The venue buzzed with energy—from packed breakout workshops to buzzing exhibitor booths. Leaders from the Ontario Road Builders Association (ORBA), ORHMA, ECAO , and RESCON joined hands with small business owners and large contractors, all united in the vision of a safer, stronger Ontario workforce.
From packed workshops and thought-provoking panels to heartfelt stories and forward-thinking strategies, New Horizons in Safety 2025 lived up to its promise: delivering relevant, real, and results-driven conversations that matter.
Thank you to every partner, speaker, attendee, and sponsor who made this event a success. We look forward to welcoming you again in 2026 as we continue to shape safer, smarter workplaces across Ontario.
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