OTTAWA, ONTARIO, June 16, 2011—A new voluntary national standard for psychological health and safety in the workplace will be created thanks to a contribution from the Government of Canada, today announced Dr. Kellie Leitch, Member of Parliament for Simcoe-Grey.
Dr. Leitch is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour, and to the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“More than ever before, workplace health and safety must include psychological health and safety,” said Dr. Leitch. “We are proud to work with organizations such as the Mental Health Commission of Canada to tackle psychological health and safety issues Canadians face in the workplace.”
The Government of Canada is providing $320,000 to the Mental Health Commission of Canada through a partnership between Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
“Our government is removing barriers so that all Canadians can participate fully in society and in the workplace,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. “Through this Mental Health Commission of Canada project, we are helping to improve mental health in the workplace.”
“Mental illness affects the lives of many Canadians and their families,” the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, said. “Improving the mental health and well-being of Canadians is important to this government and we are encouraged by the collaborative work undertaken by the Commission to date. We look forward to its continued success.”
The new voluntary national standard will provide employers across Canada with a set of best practices that could lead to measurable improvements in workplace mental health. Canada is the first country in the world to develop such a standard.
- 30 -
This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Ann Matejicka
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
