Spectra Energy wins mental health award

The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) has announced Spectra Energy is the winner of a Champions of Mental Health Award for 2015.
“Each year I am thrilled to see how much work is being done in reducing the stigma associated with mental illness,” said Florence Budden, CAMIMH campaign chair 2015. “The decision process… is certainly challenging because of the candidates’ outstanding contributions in the service of mental health.”

Spectra Energy launched its “Open Minds” wellness program in 2014 for its 3,700 employees in Canada. The program’s success centers around customized workplace mental health training, broad awareness campaigns and wide-ranging resources for employees, leaders and their families.

"Safety is a core element our company culture. Our goal to achieve ‘zero work-related injury and illness’ comprises more than physical well-being, it includes mental health and wellness too, because we recognize that employee health on all fronts is essential to business success,” said Linda Ydreos, senior director of benefits for Spectra Energy in Chatham, Ont.

The Champions of Mental Health Awards are one of Canada’s premiere social and advocacy events, which brings together political decision makers, business leaders, members of the national media, sponsors and other stakeholders to celebrate individuals and organizations whose impressive contributions have advanced the mental health agenda in Canada.

CAMIMH will host the gala celebrating the recipients and recognizing their hard work on May 5, at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa. The celebration is presented by Bell as part of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative.