Meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Labour

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Statement

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Federal,  provincial and territorial ministers responsible for labour

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Statement on  mental health in the workplace

As ministers responsible for  labour, we recognize that  mental health in the workplace is a shared priority. Much work has been done in  recent years to improve mental health in the workplace. There is general  consensus that this issue must be addressed from both a prevention standpoint and  in terms of providing support for the recovery of those affected. Continued  efforts are needed to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues  in the workplace, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

We recognize  that significant steps have been taken recently to ensure that supports are  available for workers facing mental health injuries as a result of psychological  stressors. However, more work still needs to be done.

While we continue  our efforts to address mental health issues in the workplace, as part of our  respective governmental responsibilities, we agreed to work together to:

   
1. reduce       the stigma associated  with mental       health issues in the workplace including PTSD, and encourage workers to       seek and receive the help they need when they need it;

   
2. explore       ways to enhance supports through employers and workers’ compensation       boards, among others; and

   
3. share information on best practices       and research across provinces and territories and contribute to a national       action plan on PTSD.