TORONTO, Feb. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Leaders from a wide range of industries are meeting in Canada's three biggest cities tomorrow to discuss the burning issue of mental health in the workplace. Morneau Shepell, in partnership with Bell Let's Talk, will host Employers Connect, a multi-city event for workplace mental health in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.
"Mental health does not carry the stigma that it once did, but our research shows that that there is definite evidence of stigma in the workplace," says Paula Allen, VP Health Solutions & Practice Leader, Consulting, Morneau Shepell. "There are several important drivers for organizations to address this issue strategically, and with practical and meaningful steps. We are urging employers to get involved in the discussion regarding how."
Allen says that Employers Connect still has space available for organizations that want to attend the discussions in the three locations. She also says the meetings will explore in detail the practical actions that employers can take.
Each local event will feature a keynote speaker, as well as experts from both Morneau Shepell and Bell Canada. In Toronto, the keynote speaker is former Toronto Maple Leaf Ron Ellis, who will speak about his battle with depression after retiring from hockey. Ellis has been involved with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, drawing attention to the stigma associated with depression. He is currently director of public affairs for the Hockey Hall of Fame, and the Founder of the Ron Ellis Team Canada Foundation, a charity that supports various organizations.
In Vancouver, the keynote speaker is TC Carling, a leader from Canucks Sports and Entertainment who will speak about their work on raising awareness of mental health in the workplace. Carling will also talk about Mindcheck, an initiative involving the NHL's Vancouver Canucks, which helps young people identify and understand mental distress.
In Montreal, the keynote speaker is Georges Sabongui, a former military psychologist who has done extensive stress-related research with Canada's Armed Forces. Once a senior Naval officer, Sabongui will talk about the military's approach to mental health.
Other speakers include:
- Toronto - Jean-Marc Mackenzie, Senior Vice President, Health Management, Morneau Shepell; and Alida Fallavollita, Senior Consultant, Workplace Health and Wellness, Bell Canada.
- Montreal - Claudine Ducharme, Director, Health Solutions and Consulting Services - Benefits, Morneau Shepell; and Lucie Dutil, Vice President, Human Resources, Corporate Services, Bell Canada.
- Vancouver - Karen Seward, Executive Vice President, Business Development & Marketing, Morneau Shepell; and Paul Luca, Human Resources Regional Director, Bell Canada.
Organizations that wish to attend Employers Connect should register at: www.morneaushepell.com/EmployersConnect.
Morneau Shepell
Morneau Shepell is the largest Canadian-based firm offering industry-leading benefits and pension consulting, outsourcing, as well as health and productivity solutions. The company works with clients to develop end-to-end insights and solutions that integrate with their business strategies to achieve results. Through Benefits and Health Solutions Consulting, Pension Consulting, Health Management, Administration Solutions and Shepell•fgi's Employee Assistance Program, Morneau Shepell helps clients reduce costs, increase employee productivity, and improve their competitive positions by supporting their employees' financial security, health and well-being.
Established in 1966, Morneau Shepell serves over 8,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations in North America. With approximately 2,500 employees in offices across North America, we provide services to organizations across Canada, in the United States and around the globe.
Morneau Shepell Inc. is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). For more information, visit www.morneaushepell.com.
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