This ongoing pandemic is deepening the mental health crisis. Action is needed now to provide support to people in need. This World Mental Health Day we are raising the alarm and calling for governments to immediately invest in mental health supports ― Larry Brown, NUPGE President
Ottawa (09 Oct. 2020) ― In recognition of World Mental Health Day, which takes place on October 10, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is renewing its call for action on mental health.
The resources provided by Kids Help Phone are now free to anyone living in Canada, regardless of age.
At NUPGE, we are proud that our union has been playing such a strong role in removing the stigma against mental injury in the workplace and working to see that the supports people need are there when they need them.
Over the last 10 years for which statistics are available, an average of 952 people have been killed each year because of something that happened to them at work. In some years, the death toll has been well over 1,000.
“We were clear from the start that any presumptive workplace mental health legislation would need to cover all workers and not just first responders — mental health doesn’t know or care what job you do. We were very happy to see every worker included in this important legislation." — Jerry Earle, NAPE President
"We owe these public servants the same duty of care that we afford to the people they are trying to protect and serve." — Jason MacLean, NSGEU President
"We don’t need small changes — we need massive changes in how we approach mental health in the workplace. We need legislative change." — Jerry Earle, NAPE President
“The legislation is a significant step towards improving workplaces. Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE) and the labour movement have been fighting for changes like these for many years. This is a day to celebrate.” Trudy Thomson, HSAA Vice-President
Mike Parker, NUPGE NEB member and HSAA President, addressed the PSI World Congress detailing how the labour movement can push legislators to ensure presumptive coverage for mental injuries is available to all workers.
The chilling testimony we’ve already heard is all that’s needed to justify extended protection. This is a win-win scenario for the government and for workers. It’s the right thing to do.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
“When will management at CAMH come to their senses and acknowledge that assaults and violence are escalating and that they have put ineffective measures in place to prevent more workers from becoming seriously injured?" — Nancy Pridham, OPSEU Local 500 President
When people face financial instability, inadequate housing, poor working conditions, low wages, food insecurity, lack of education (the social determinants of health), it is difficult to maintain positive mental health. By organizing and advocating for good jobs, quality public services, fair labour rights and tax fairness, the National Union has created pressure on governments to improve the health of all Canadians.
"Recognizing PTSD as a presumed workplace injury will ensure that our public service workers who do dangerous and stressful work are properly supported by our government.” — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President
"Ontario now joins Alberta and Manitoba with legislation that creates the presumption that when first responders are diagnosed with PTSD it is work-related," said James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
"We welcome awareness campaigns and research but the WSIB needs to presume that PTSD is a workplace-acquired illness for first responders. That means putting presumption right into the legislation. It’s the only way a PTSD strategy will be truly effective." — Jamie Ramage, OPSEU Ambulance Division Chair
A roundtable on post-traumatic stress disorder being held in Ottawa is benefiting from the participation of Vince Savoia and actor Enrico Colantoni.
A roundtable on post-traumatic stress disorder being held in Ottawa is benefiting from the participation of Vince Savoia and actor Enrico Colantoni.
Changes would make coverage accessible to all workers under the Workers Compensation Act.
Nova Scotia government is stalling on a bill that would guarantee workers' compensation to emergency responders who develop post-traumatic stress disorder.
MGEU/NUPGE appeal should ensure no other worker is discriminated against when making psychological claims.