The history of psychological health and safety is a rich one. There are many unsung heroes who have played a part around the world. We share our perspectives from our involvement in the development of Canada’s national standard on psychological health and safety.
The evolution of workplace mental health
We wrote the book! The Evolution of Workplace Mental Health in Canada – Toward a standard for psychological health and safety | PDF outlines how we moved beyond the idea that mental health was exclusively an individual’s responsibility, toward recognition that the way work environments are managed matters. The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, launched in 2013, was the result of this evolution in thinking.
The Evolution of Workplace Mental Health in Canada: Research Report (2007–2017) | PDF provided the foundation for the book of the same name, tracking some of the trends that fueled the evolution, and identifying the initiatives and organizations that contributed to major milestones. It was commissioned to support research through the University of Fredericton, led by Dr. Joti Samra, R.Psych.
New Evolution of Psychological Health and Safety blog series
What do you know about psychological health and safety (PHS)? I know some of you are experts who are consulting with employers on how to protect and promote PHS for their employees. I also know that some of you have never heard of it. For over a year I have been part of a technical committee working on updating the Canadian National Standard on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. A new edition will be released by early 2027 and I thought I would take this opportunity to share some of the back story leading up to it. I’ll do this by sharing insights from those who have been heavily involved in PHS over the past decade. In addition, I’ll share some of my own opinions and observations about what was happening behind the scenes as this extraordinary initiative developed. I also have some personal impact stories to share. To come along on this ride, please subscribe to our e-newsletter. I’ll feature a new perspective on the Evolution of Psychological Health and Safety every month. I hope you’ll join me! —Mary Ann Baynton
Canada becomes a world first
In 2013 Canada released the world’s first national standard on psychological health and safety in the workplace. In late 2026 or early 2027, a revised version will be released. As we prepare for the new release, we stepped back to think about where we started and how far we have come.
Each blog will be released monthly through our e-newsletter. You can subscribe to our e-newsletter or bookmark this page and check back regularly.
- Breaking the silence
- Before the standard (coming October 2025)
- Developing the standard: Who, what and why—2011 to 2012 (coming November 2025)
- The big launch: A world first—2013 (coming December 2025)
To be among the first in 2025-2026 to gain access to this upcoming content, subscribe to our e-newsletter.