Mental Health Joint Task Force Releases Second Report
News Release
May 31, 2016 – Ottawa – Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
As the country’s largest employer, the Government of Canada is committed to being a leader in tackling the challenges of mental illness in the workplace.
The President of Treasury Board, the Honourable Scott Brison, and the National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), Robyn Benson, today welcomed the release of a second report by the Joint Task Force on Mental Health in the Workplace.
Building on the recommendations of the first report, the Joint Task Force‘s second report provides specific direction to federal public service organizations in key areas, such as guidance on the selection of a mental health champion and the development of organizational engagement. These recommendations will help guide efforts to improve mental health in federal workplaces.
The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, along with federal departments and agencies, will act on the report’s recommendations in the coming months.
Quick facts
- In March 2015, the Government of Canada and PSAC established a Joint Task Force to address mental health in the workplace.
- Data on disability insurance claims show that about half (49%) of all claims approved in 2015 were due to mental health conditions (e.g., depression, neurosis, affective and behavioural disorders).
- In December 2015, the Mental Health Joint Task Force released its first report during a meeting of the National Joint Council.
- The Clerk of the Privy Council’s recent annual report identified mental health as a priority for the Public Service.
Quotes
“The Government is committed to restoring a culture of respect for and within the public service. We will continue to work with public sector unions to improve how we address mental health issues in the workplace. The recommendations by the Joint Task Force will contribute to healthier workplaces for federal public servants across Canada.”
– The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board
“The release of the Joint Task Force’s second report demonstrates our shared commitment to the important issue of mental health in the workplace. The Public Service Alliance of Canada believes the next steps will be crucial as we seek to implement concrete strategies to promote better workplace practices when dealing with mental health issues.”
– Robyn Benson, National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada
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