Health and Community Services
May 6, 2008

The following statement was issued by the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Minister Recognizes Mental Health Week

I rise in this House today to recognize National Mental Health Week which officially runs from May 5 to May 11. This year, the focus is on the role of businesses and employers in supporting good mental health in the workplace. This year�s theme is "Mental Health: Make it Your Business."

We now know that good mental health is not just the absence of a mental illness, but the overall ability to feel, think, communicate, live and be happy. When we experience good mental health we are better able to reach our full potential and have a good quality of life.

Our government recognizes the importance of good mental health as a part of overall health and well-being and we have made significant progress in supporting mental health in Newfoundland and Labrador. One of the first steps we took as a government was to introduce a new Provincial Policy Framework for mental health and addictions services. And, most recently we introduced a new Mental Health Care and Treatment Act to help make our province responsive to the mental health needs of our residents. We have also invested $14.6 million for mental health and addictions services in the province since we formed government in 2003, including the latest Budget 2008 investment of $1.7 million.

As the Provincial Government is the largest employer in the province, we are committed to ensuring that our own work environments are supportive and address the needs of our employees. Through programs such as the Respectful Workplace Program, the Workplace Wellness Initiative and the Employee Assistance Program, we support employees experiencing various kinds of difficulties and promote safe, respectful work environments.

Mental Health Week presents an opportunity for employers across our province to reflect on how their organizations support the mental health needs of employees by providing a healthy work environment. Supporting the health of our people leads to a productive workforce and helps our province sustain prosperity.

I encourage all residents to be mindful of how they can take care of their own mental health and use this week as an opportunity to take the necessary steps to ensure they live a healthy balanced life.

2008 05 06                                                  2:00 p.m.

 


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