Promoting a healthy, productive, and inclusive workforce

News release

Nine researchers receive $11.9M to find ways to help Canadians with disabilities and chronic health conditions participate in the labour force

December 20, 2018 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Institutes of Health Research

The number of people with disabilities, chronic conditions, and work-related health issues is growing. Canada’s workforce is also aging, and more and more working Canadians are devoting considerable time and energy to caring for children or aging parents. For some Canadians, physical and mental health issues and disabilities are a barrier to finding jobs, and for those already employed, they can be an obstacle to remaining in the workforce.

To address these challenges, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, today announced an investment $11.9M over five years to support partnerships led by nine researchers across the country that will seek solutions to the physical, mental health, and aging-related barriers that prevent Canadians from participating in the workforce.

The funding is provided under Healthy and Productive Work, a joint initiative of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) that supports the goal of maintaining a healthy, productive, and inclusive workforce in Canada. 

Quotes

“All Canadians deserve the opportunity to engage in meaningful employment, and through this initiative, we are building an evidence base to find out what accommodations, tools, and policies are most effective in supporting Canadians’ participation in the workforce.”
Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health

“Our country is at its best when everyone is included. Creating a workforce where all Canadians can participate without worrying about barriers brings us one step closer to the realization of an accessible Canada. Research is essential to identifying the best approaches to create the right conditions for a healthy and inclusive workplace for all Canadians.”
Kirsty Duncan
Minister of Science and Sport

“These grants demonstrate what is possible when the granting councils collaborate to bring the best Canadian researchers from the health and social sciences and humanities together. Although barriers remain for too many Canadians living with physical and mental health issues and disabilities, my hope is that this research creates the new knowledge we need to tackle the issue of workforce inclusion.”
Dr. Michael J. Strong
President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

“The future of our country depends on our support for a healthy, productive, and inclusive workforce.  We have an opportunity to learn from these expert researchers and scientists, including Canada Research Chairs, to better understand how we can foster labour force participation–including persons with disabilities, older people, and those with chronic disease–so that our workforce truly reflects Canadian society.”
Dr. Ted Hewitt
President, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

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Contacts

Thierry Bélair
Office of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health
613-957-0200

Media Relations
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
613-941-4563
mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

Alioune Camara
Media Relations Advisor
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
613-992-8930
alioune.camara@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca

At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system.

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