Canadian life and health insurance industry welcomes new national workplace mental health standard

TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2013 /CNW/ - Canada's life and health insurance industry congratulates the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) on the launch of its voluntary National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the workplace in collaboration with the Canadian Standards Association and the Bureau de normalisation du Québec.

"The life and health insurance industry is committed to supporting the mental health of Canadian workers and we're pleased to see this important project coming to fruition. It is another important step towards supporting mental well-being and removing stigma in the workplace," said Frank Swedlove, president of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association.

In 2009, the industry adopted a set of principles that embrace standards and best practices contributing to health and productivity in the workplace. The new voluntary Standard is in line with the position the industry has taken to encourage the development and promotion of best practices and programs that address the needs and issues related to mental health in the workplace.

"We believe that the life and health insurance industry is an important player in addressing workplace mental health issues, and we look forward to working with the MHCC to identify opportunities for the implementation of this voluntary Standard among Canadian employers and employees," added Swedlove.

About the CLHIA

The CLHIA is a voluntary association whose member companies account for 99 per cent of Canada's life and health insurance business. The industry is the principal provider in Canada of individual and group supplementary health benefit products and services and plays a significant role in wellness, disease prevention and in supporting recovery.

SOURCE: Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc.

Wendy Hope, Vice President, External Relations [phone] or
Claude Di Stasio, Vice President, Quebec Affairs [phone]