Leaders from a range of industries are meeting in Canada’s three biggest cities on Feb. 8 to discuss mental health in the workplace. Morneau Shepell, in partnership with Bell Let’s Talk, will host Employers Connect in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.
“Mental health does not carry the stigma that it once did, but our research shows that that there is definite evidence of stigma in the workplace,” said Paula Allen, vice-president of health solutions and practice leader, consulting, with Morneau Shepell. “There are several important drivers for organizations to address this issue strategically, and with practical and meaningful steps. We are urging employers to get involved in the discussion regarding how.”
Allen says that Employers Connect still has space available for organizations that want to attend the discussions in the three locations. She also says the meetings will explore in detail the practical actions that employers can take.
Each event will feature a keynote speaker, as well as experts from both Morneau Shepell and Bell Canada. In Toronto, the keynote speaker is former Toronto Maple Leaf Ron Ellis, who will speak about his battle with depression after retiring from hockey. Ellis has been involved with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, drawing attention to the stigma associated with depression. He is currently director of public affairs for the Hockey Hall of Fame, and the Founder of the Ron Ellis Team Canada Foundation, a charity that supports various organizations.
In Vancouver, the keynote speaker is TC Carling, a leader from Canucks Sports and Entertainment who will speak about their work on raising awareness of mental health in the workplace. Carling will also talk about Mindcheck, an initiative involving the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, which helps young people identify and understand mental distress.
In Montreal, the keynote speaker is Georges Sabongui, a former military psychologist who has done extensive stress-related research with Canada’s Armed Forces. Once a senior Naval officer, Sabongui will talk about the military’s approach to mental health.
For more information or to register, visit morneaushepell.com/EmployersConnect.