For you, leaders out there, be especially clear
that you have to look after your troops and create a climate
where everybody feels productive
and is contributing to the mission.
We're a big family
and we know that strong communication,
healthy minds and healthy bodies
are part of what helps us stay safe and well.
From my perspective, it is critical for a healthy workplace
to ensure that all of their employees
and members feel welcomed, respected,
included regardless of their ethnicity,
religion, sexual orientation,
ability, education or rank.
We build a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion,
and we stay connected. Thank you.
Defence team members who feel safe and respected at work
will contribute meaningfully to improve our team
or to denounce wrongdoing.
Working together, we will create a workplace
that is healthy and safe.
As members of the Canadian Armed Forces,
we inherently understand the benefits of exercise and diet
and maintaining a healthy work place.
Out here for us, health is wealth.
We're a long way from home and running a warship
is the biggest team sport in the world.
Everybody's got a part to play.
So, keeping fit, mind, body and spirit is very important for us.
You don't have to be good at every sport
for it to be beneficial for you.
You just have to show up and try your best.
Each of our bases have outstanding programs
that have the potential to positively impact
our members and communities lives.
This point is becoming more important in today's world
and work together as a team as we attempt
to stem the spread of COVID-19.
I also need to make sure that we're providing
everything that is necessary
to remain physically and mentally resilient.
And finally, being deployed away from Canada,
we rely on the support of Canadians at home.
Thank you for your support.
Healthy workplaces start with healthy individuals.
I'd invite you this month
to reflect on what it takes for you to be healthy.
Maybe it's enough sleep, maybe it's the right diet or exercise
or stress release through a hobby or activity.
So, how do we promote a healthy thriving workplace?
Well, in this day and age, given what's going on,
we're all about working digitally.
And working from anywhere,
anywhere that you need to, to be safe.
Healthy Workplace Month is a perfect opportunity
to reaffirm our commitment as employer and employees
to foster a healthy workplace for all.
Being healthy means we can be
more productive at home and at work.
So, my challenge to you: stay healthy.
Stay healthy.
And follow all the Department of National Defence
and Public Health guidelines to protect yourself from COVID-19.
More than ever,
your action helps maintain a healthy workplace.
Healthy Workplace Month,
and a reminder to take care of yourself,
couldn't come at a better time.
I've encouraged my staff to take some time off this fall
to take care of themselves and their families,
to access resources if needed
and to talk to someone about how they're feeling.
There's no way around it.
A healthy workplace creates a cohesive team
that we need to succeed when needed.
There's a lot more work to do, but I'm proud of the work
that we've done and that we're doing to ensure
that we have a healthy workplace for everybody.
So, I wish you all a safe Healthy Workplace Month.
Wishing you a wonderful month
and remember to be kind, to be calm and be safe.