YELLOWKNIFE (September 15, 2014) – Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty joined his colleagues at the Ministers of Labour meeting in Halifax earlier this month. On the agenda was psychological health and safety issues in the workplace.
The Ministers’ discussions demonstrated links between safe and healthy workplaces, job creation and economic development. Ministers recognized the profound impact psychological health and safety issues have on Canadian workers, businesses and the economy.
Minister Lafferty, who is also the Minister Responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, said, “at any week across Canada more than 500,000 people do not go to work because of mental illness. In the Northwest Territories we want our workplaces to be healthy, productive and respectful to all. A workplace with a culture of trust and civility is a more dynamic environment for everyone.”
Ministers agreed to raise awareness of psychological health and safety issues in their jurisdictions and to promote initiatives that address the psychological health and safety of workers. Preventing injuries and illnesses in the workplace, including psychological health and safety issues, is an essential component of the health, well-being and economic success of Canadians.
As part of their respective responsibilities, Ministers agreed to encourage the promotion of the Voluntary National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace as a best practice within their jurisdictions. They also agreed to continue sharing research, information and best practices within their own governments, as well as across jurisdictions, to address workplace psychological health and safety for workers, including youth.
The Ministers also discussed issues concerning international labour organization conventions and labour provisions of trade agreements.
Media inquiries:
Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Education, Culture and Employment
Phone: (867) 920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca