Morneau Shepell provides counselling services and support for Fort McMurray with the creation of a national crisis line

Company donates $25,000 to Canadian Red Cross wildfire relief effort;
24/7 crisis hotline – 1.844.751.2133 – set up for anyone in need

TORONTO, May 9, 2016 /CNW/ - In an effort to provide support to those affected by the devastating wildfires that continue to spread through the Fort McMurray area, Morneau Shepell is providing on-site client counselling and has set up a new  crisis support hotline to help anyone in need.

"All of us at Morneau Shepell are concerned for the well-being of our clients, colleagues, and the entire Fort McMurray community at this time," said Alan Torrie, President and Chief Executive Officer, Morneau Shepell. "People across our organization want to help those affected by the wildfires, and are contributing however they can.  We are extending our support to anyone affected by this devastating tragedy, and have launched the Fort McMurray Crisis Line, available 24/7, nationally."

National 24/7 crisis hotline: In an effort to support local relief agencies, Morneau Shepell has established a bilingual, mental health hotline to offer counselling to anyone in crisis. Those needing to speak to someone can reach the Fort McMurray Crisis Line at 1.844.751.2133.

Recognizing both the immediate anxiety and fear and also the potential long-term effects resulting from a situation like the Alberta wildfires, Morneau Shepell immediately deployed trauma counsellors to the area for its clients. Morneau Shepell's crisis support services for clients in Alberta also includes the following activities:

• Mobile RV counselling units: With many offices evacuated, including Morneau Shepell's own counselling offices, counsellors are providing on-site client support and are coordinating with select evacuation centres to offer counselling for clients' employees.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) support: The Company's EFAP is also available 24/7 in the usual way, toll free at 1.844.880.9142 and online at workhealthlife.com.

Morneau Shepell is also contributing $25,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to assist in its efforts in Fort McMurray.

About Morneau Shepell Inc.
Morneau Shepell is the only human resources consulting and technology company that takes an integrative approach to employee assistance, health, benefits and retirement needs. The Company is the leading provider of employee and family assistance programs, as well as the largest administrator of retirement and benefits plans and the largest provider of integrated absence management solutions in Canada. Through health and productivity, administrative, and retirement solutions, Morneau Shepell helps clients reduce costs, increase employee productivity and improve their competitive position. Established in 1966, Morneau Shepell serves approximately 20,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations in North America. With almost 4,000 employees in offices across North America, Morneau Shepell provides services to organizations across Canada, in the United States, and around the globe. Morneau Shepell is a publicly-traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.

Nathan Gibson, Morneau Shepell, 416-390-2641, [email protected]