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.
PTSD
“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 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
“This study shows that paramedics and dispatchers are almost 5 times as likely to suffer a mental health injury as members of the general population." — Trudy Thomson, HSAA Vice 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