Newsroom

As Pride celebrations continue this month, LifeWorks (formerly Morneau Shepell) wants to help you better understand inclusivity as it relates to the LGBTQIA+ and Two Spirit community.

As we all deserve to be valued for who we are regardless of our gender identity or sexual orientation; LifeWorks’ key resources offer informative tips on inclusion, support, as well as how to build a more inclusive workplace, home and community.

Be sure to check out these helpful tips on:

Being an LGBTQ ally

Gender identity: Understanding basic terms

Creating an LGBTQ Inclusive Workplace

The recent news of the discovery of a mass grave of children on the site of a former residential school in British Columbia has left us very saddened and devastated.

A crisis or traumatic event can trigger overwhelming emotional responses. Remember that the immediate and confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services are accessible 24/7/365 by calling 1-844-880-9142 or visiting www.workhealthlife.com. The website features additional information and tips on coping with trauma.

Crisis Support Line now open

While the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) help line is open for eligible employees, LifeWorks (formerly Morneau Shepell) has also opened up a Crisis Support Line for anyone in the community in need of emotional support in relation to these events. The Crisis Support Line is open 24/7 and can be reached at: 1-844-751-2133.  By calling, individuals will receive professional emotional support and/or referral to community resources. This resource is available to anyone and everyone. 

According to The Canadian Mental Health Association, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness. It involves exposure to trauma involving death or the threat of death, serious injury, or sexual violence.

This month, as we acknowledge the importance of Mental Health, LifeSpeak wants to shine a light on PTSD through their training sessions and learning resources. These include:

• This month’s featured training- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with Dr. Simon Rego. Watch helpful videos on the important issues surrounding PTSD, including how it is assessed, diagnosed as well as some prevalent treatment options.
• LifeSpeak’s Expert Blog post – Your Brain on change by Cindy Smith, Organizational and individual change management expert.
• Join the ‘Ask the Expert’ chat on May 26^th at 12pm ET, as Dara Roth Edney speaks on the topic- Supporting Yourself and Others through Anxiety and Depression. Click here to learn more.
  The French version with Dr Nadia Gagnier will be on May 27^th at 12pm ET. For more info click here

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Mental health is a vital part of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.  It affects our decision making, how we cope with stress and relate to others. LifeSpeak’s May Mental Health marathon will set out to help you prioritize and understand your mental well-being and how it can affect others.  Topics to be discussed include:

• Mental health in the workplace
• Children’s mental health
• Anxiety, depression, and other mental health inquiries
• Mental health and relationships

The marathon includes four (4) “Ask the Expert” sessions between 8:30am and 6pm EST on May 5^th.

The French Version will be on April 6th between 8:30am and 6pm ET.

Be sure to also check out Lifespeak’s Online Library which offers helpful videos on mental health. Some of these videos include:

Helping a Loved One with Mental Illness

Getting Help for Mental Illness

Loneliness in the 21st century

Addressing Suicide

Assessment and Diagnosis of Depression

What are the Anxiety Disorders?

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On May 3^rd, 2021, for Mental Health Week and Mental Health Awareness month, Morneau Shepell is launching their new Microsite- Building Your Self-care Toolkit, to bring recognition to this vital aspect of your total wellbeing. The site goes live on Morneau’s Heartbeat Hub.

The Microsite will feature articles, an infographic and a video which will explore:

• The importance of self-care
• How to set up a self-care action plan
• Why sleep is an important part of self-care
• How meditation can help

Be sure to check out the live link in our Pandemic Wellness Toolkit on May 3^rd.

Canada Life wishes to assure its valued members that receiving the Covid-19 vaccine will not affect your individual or workplace life, health or disability insurance benefits. 

Please note that when a COVID-19 vaccine has been given by an authorized health professional, side-effects or complications from the vaccine would not limit someone’s eligibility for group benefits. 

Government-approved COVID-19 vaccinations are tested to make sure they’re safe and effective and while some people have reported side effects after being immunized with a COVID-19 vaccine in Canada, those side effects aren’t necessarily related to the vaccine.  

The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) has also released their position on the vaccine as it relates to insurance coverage.  

Canada Life stays committed to the financial, physical and mental well-being of its plan members. 

Learn more about the Government of Canada Pension & Benefits statistics for 2021. 

Please note that this Government of Canada Pension & Benefits summary is for information purposes only but provides details of key minimum and maximum values from government sources in one central resource that supports payroll. 

Morneau Shepell are proud to launch their new microsite! Depression and the pandemic: a deep dive.

Through articles, an infographic and a video, the microsite explores:

• The relationship between COVID-19 and depression
• How to deal with financial insecurity and debt stress
• How physical activity can help with depression during the pandemic
• Facing loneliness during the pandemic.

Available in both English and French.

Click here to access the English microsite.

Click here to access the French microsite.