September 5, 2014 – Halifax, Nova Scotia
Today, federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for labour met to discuss current and emerging labour issues and the evolution of the modern workplace. The annual meeting was co-hosted by the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Federal Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, and the Honourable Kelly Regan, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education for Nova Scotia.
The ministers covered a number of shared issues related to young workers, including options to better protect youth in the workplace and new approaches to connect with youth. Our competitive labour market poses special challenges for young workers entering the workforce. Continued collaboration between employers, industry, training partners and governments are critical to providing safe and healthy workplaces and meaningful employment for youth.
The discussions showed links between safe and healthy workplaces, job creation and economic development. Ministers recognized the profound impact psychological health and safety issues have on Canadian workers, businesses and the economy. They agreed to raise awareness of psychological health and safety issues in their jurisdictions and to promote initiatives that address the psychological health and safety of workers. Preventing injuries and illnesses in the workplace, including psychological health and safety issues, is an essential component of the health, well-being and economic success of Canadians.
The Ministers also discussed issues concerning International Labour Organization conventions and labour provisions of trade agreements.
Andrew McGrath
A/Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
819-953-5646
andrew.mcgrath@labour-travail.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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Chrissy Matheson
Nova Scotia Labour and Advanced Education
902-424-0281
mathescl@gov.ns.ca
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Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Labour
Statement on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace
The federal, provincial and territorial Ministers Responsible for Labour recognized the impacts that psychological health and safety issues in the workplace have on individuals, their colleagues, their communities, as well as for businesses and the Canadian economy.
The Ministers Responsible for Labour agreed that finding ways to prevent and address psychological health and safety in the workplace is an integral part of keeping the labour force strong and healthy and the economy competitive.
The Ministers believe that governments can play a significant role in promoting awareness of psychological health and safety issues in the workplace through research, knowledge transfer and education to advance the dialogue on psychologically healthy and safe workplaces within their jurisdictions.
The Ministers also noted the importance of engaging workplace parties on awareness initiatives aimed at reducing the stigmas associated with workplace psychological health and safety.
As part of their respective governmental responsibilities, the federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for Labour agree to:
- Encourage the promotion of the Voluntary National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace as a best practice within their jurisdictions; and
- continue to share research, information and best practices, including for youth, within their own governments as well as across jurisdictions to address workplace psychological health and safety.
