Corporate

 Workplace Safety & Prevention Services  | 6 Given their commitment and passion, it is only natural that Andre Latreille and his team have forged a strong bond with WSPS. A firm believer in the concept of Every worker. Healthy and safe. Everyday. it was his belief that "the workplace should not make you sick" that propelled him into his role as Ombudsman for Mental Health at Public Services and Procurement Canada. Latreille is leading the first federal public service office dedicated to providing a safe, impartial forum for employees to raise concerns and seek help with issues affecting their mental health. Their vision is to create a culture that enshrines psychological health and safety and wellbeing in all aspects of the workplace through collaboration, inclusivity, and respect. "Our focus has traditionally been on physical health and safety. I saw an opportunity to make the employee experience more complete by expanding the focus to include both physical and mental health," says Latreille. He and his team have opened a door and employees are taking the opportunity to get the tips, tools, and resources they need to stay psychologically healthy and safe. Since his arrival in 2017, Latreille and his team have been addressing a number of issues, including incivility, harassment, bullying and lack of respect, transparency, work load and stress levels. WSPS Account Manager Florence Janvier works closely with Latreille and his team. "They are pioneers," she says. "They're very active and innovative and are setting a great example." She describes the Ombudsman's presentation at a spring 2019 WSPS Safety Connection event as "hugely successful", noting that the audience took full advantage of the opportunity to ask lots of questions. In turn, Latreille says that WSPS gives real meaning to what they can do. "We have been learning and sharing knowledge with one another and our respective clients. We are uniting our voices so we can be heard, and we can shine a light on mental health." DID YOU KNOW that workplace mental health is a top concern for Canadian business leaders – and that many don't have a plan to address it? ACCORDING TO A NEW WSPS LEADERSHIP SURVEY, 1 67%   OF RESPONDENTS indicated they thought MENTAL HEALTH would be their number one emerging issue over the next 3 to 5 years. ONLY 20% OF RESPONDENTS say they currently have a plan. 1 Every worker. Healthy and safe. Every day. Andre Latreille MENTAL HEALTH Uniting voices to shine a light on mental health

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