Government of Canada releases Federal Framework on Posttraumtic Stress Disorder

“PTSD affects many Canadians, and it also affects their families, friends and loved ones. Canadians struggling with PTSD deserve a government that supports them every step of the way, and that’s exactly what we will continue doing. I am deeply grateful to the Canadians who helped develop this framework by sharing their stories, challenges and triumphs in dealing with PTSD. We know there is more to do, but this framework will allow us to move forward and better support those dealing with PTSD.”

The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Health

“The Government of Canada is providing national leadership to help address the mental health needs of Canadians who are impacted by PTSD and post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI). Public safety personnel put their lives on the line every day, which can put them at risk of developing PTSI; that is why last April we released a national action plan on PTSI for all public safety personnel across Canada. I am pleased to see the Federal Framework on PTSD building on this work and the work of others.”

The Honourable Bill Blair
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

“PTSD can have a profound impact on those faced with it and on their families, friends and colleagues. The Department of National Defence proudly supports the Federal Framework on PTSD. Through education, early intervention and world-class treatment, we will make sure the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces receive the highest standard of health care and support.”

The Honourable Harjit Sajjan
Minister of National Defence

“While we have come a long way in our understanding of the invisible wounds that Canada’s Veterans may be struggling with, we know more must be done. With this framework, our government pledges to support effective programs and treatment for all these brave Canadians. I congratulate everyone who contributed to the creation of this Federal Framework, and I thank all the brave Canadians it will serve for their sacrifices.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
Minister of Veterans Affairs

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that may occur following a potentially traumatic event involving exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence.

• In April 2019, the Government of Canada released Supporting Canada’s Public Safety Personnel: An Action Plan on Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries, which supports research, prevention, early intervention, stigma reduction, care and treatment for all types of public safety personnel across the country. The Federal Framework on PTSD builds on and complements the Action Plan as well as other PTSD-related activities currently underway.

Related products

• Government of Canada invests more than $11 million in research into post-traumatic stress injuries in public safety personnel
• Government of Canada Consults on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Associated links

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Federal Framework on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Supporting Canada’s Public Safety Personnel: An Action Plan on Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries (Public Safety Canada)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and war-related stress (Veterans Affairs Canada)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries and Support for Public Safety Officers (Public Safety Canada)

Thierry Bélair
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Health
613-957-0200

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