Ministers of labour raising awareness of psychological safety issues in the workplace

On Sept. 5, federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for labour met to discuss current and emerging labour issues, including psychological health and safety, and the evolution of the modern workplace.
The ministers recognized the profound impact psychological health and safety issues have on Canadian workers, businesses and the economy.

The ministers responsible for labour agreed that finding ways to prevent and address psychological health and safety in the workplace is an integral part of keeping the labour force strong and healthy and the economy competitive. 

The ministers believe that governments can play a significant role in promoting awareness of psychological health and safety issues in the workplace through research, knowledge transfer and education to advance the dialogue on psychologically healthy and safe workplaces within their jurisdictions.

The ministers also noted the importance of engaging workplace parties on awareness initiatives aimed at reducing the stigmas associated with workplace psychological health and safety.

As part of their respective governmental responsibilities, the federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for labour agree to:
• encourage the promotion of the Voluntary National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace as a best practice within their jurisdictions ?
• continue to share research, information and best practices, including for youth, within their own governments as well as across jurisdictions to address workplace psychological health and safety.

The annual meeting was co-hosted by Kellie Leitch, the federal minister of labour and minister of status of women, and Kelly Regan, minister of labour and advanced education for Nova Scotia.