Media Advisory - Mental Health Commission of Canada announces further action on workplace mental health

Government, business and labour leaders push for national expansion of Workplace Standard

TORONTO, Jan. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Following the successful launch one year ago of the world's first National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is announcing plans to further work with Canadian businesses and drive uptake of the Standard in workplaces across Canada.

Business, labour leaders and the Government of Canada will join the Mental Health Commission of Canada and host Valerie Pringle as well as employers from across the Canadian workforce for the announcement.

"In one short year, the Commission has received an overwhelming response to the Standard, with Canadian businesses eager to sign on," said Louise Bradley, MHCC President and CEO. "With roughly half a million Canadians missing work each week due to mental illness, Canadian employers know it's time to invest in a psychologically safe workplace. This new research project is a chance to drive momentum for workplace mental health across Canada."

The event, hosted by MHCC and its partners, CSA Group (CSA) and Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ), will be multifaceted and will involve an announcement by the MHCC and its partners as well as reveal uptake of the Standard over the past year.  Over 15 businesses of all shapes and sizes will be available to discuss their experiences with the Standard and expectations as to how the announcement will affect their workplace.  Separate announcements by private sector participants will also take place during the event.

Follow the announcement on Twitter: #workplaceMH and @MHCC_

DATE:			Thursday, January 16, 2014
TIME:			9 a.m.ET
			Individual interview opportunities are also available
			Participating businesses of all sizes will be on site and available to discuss their experiences and what the announcement means to them and their workforce
LOCATION:			Toronto Reference Library, Appel Salon
			789 Yonge Street, 2^nd Floor
			Toronto, ON M4W 2G8
REMARKS:			Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
			George Cope, President and CEO, BCE and Bell Canada
			Ken Georgetti, President, Canadian Labour Congress
			Louise Bradley, President and CEO, Mental Health Commission of Canada

ON SITE INTERVIEWS:
The above noted speakers as well as MHCC Chair David Goldbloom, Bonnie Rose, President, Standards, CSA Group, and a variety of businesses from across Canada will also be available for interviews.

The views represented herein solely represent the views of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Production of this document is made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada. 

SOURCE: Mental Health Commission of Canada

Jacquie LaRocque
[email protected]
613-614-6339