Minister Leitch promotes psychological health and safety in the workplace

TORONTO, Nov. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, delivered opening remarks at a symposium on psychological health and safety in the workplace and best practices in the federal sector. The symposium, hosted by the Canadian Labour Congress and Federally Regulated Employers – Transportation and Communications, brought together stakeholders and experts in the field of psychological health in the workplace. Participants shared their insights and experiences, and discussed how to foster well-being and address psychological health and safety issues at work.

In her speech, Minister Leitch commended participants for coming together at the symposium to tackle the issue, and encouraged employers to take proactive measures, such as implementing the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. She also spoke about psychological health and safety as it relates to young workers, who are typically more likely than older workers to suffer from mental injuries in the workplace such as post-traumatic stress.

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring Canadian workplaces are safe, healthy and productive. By developing, administering and enforcing workplace legislation and health and safety regulations, including the Canada Labour Code, the Government's Labour Program is keeping Canada's labour force strong, healthy and competitive.

Quick Facts

• Mental illness is the number-one cause of disability claims in Canada. 
• Studies show that nearly half—47 percent—of working Canadians consider their job to be the most stressful part of their life.
• The annual financial cost to the Canadian economy stemming from mental illnesses is estimated at approximately $51 billion, with about $21 billion directly related to workplace losses.
• From 2002–2012, young workers in Canada accounted for approximately 10 percent of all workplace injuries related to mental health. Most of those injuries (64 percent) were caused by post-traumatic stress.
• In its first year, the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace was downloaded more than 18,000 times.

Quote

"Mental health in the workplace is an issue that demands everyone's attention: employers, employees, unions, governments and other stakeholders. We all need to keep working together to find solutions. That's why our government will continue to actively promote psychological health and safety in the workplace."
– The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

Associated Links

Labour Program 
National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada