The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc throughout Canada creating lockdowns, job losses, illness and many other factors.
LifeWorks released their latest Mental Health Index and it showed some staggering numbers involving stress in the workplace due to COVID-19.
The key insight in the publication is, older employees are more likely to consider leaving a job because of feeling underappreciated.
Also, nearly one-in-five Canadians resigned from their job during the pandemic due to increased mental stress/strain at work.
Kenora MP Eric Melillo took some time to speak with the QMorning Show about the publication’s representation of NWO.
“Looking through the information I saw, Ontario had the second highest increase in stress month over month. We know that mental health challenges are prevalent across the north. There’s a lack of adequate services in many communities as well, and the pandemic has added to those challenges,” said Melillo.
The survey showed that 33 per cent of Canadians reported an increase in job stress in 2021 compared to 2020.
Sixteen per cent resigned due to caregiving responsibilities. Parents and managers are more than twice as likely than others to report resigning during the pandemic.
Melillo will be advocating for mental health strategies once Parliament resumes on November 22, 2021.
“I believe thats why our governments at all levels must put greater emphasis on mental health care. I will be advocating for increased funding for mental health support particularly in northern and remote parts of the country,” concluded Melillo.
Mental Health was one of the five pillars a part of the Conservatives Canada’s Recovery Plan that was the basis of their 2021 Federal Election campaign.
With the Canada Mental Health Action Plan, the Conservatives plan is:
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Boost health transfers to the provinces by at least six per cent annually, representing nearly $60 billion more for health care over the next 10 years;
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Work with the provinces with the goal of providing enough funding through health transfers for an additional million Canadians to receive mental health treatment every year;
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Offer a 25% tax credit for the first three years to employers who add or boost mental health coverage in employee benefit plans;
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Provide $150 million over three years in grants to non-profits and charities delivering mental health and wellness programming;
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Create a nationwide three-digit suicide prevention hotline;
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Provide $1 billion over five years to boost funding for Indigenous mental health and drug treatment programs, including culturally appropriate supports.