More than 400 professionals from across the human services and justice sector came together this week for the Provincial Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee’s 2019 conference to share best practices, build cross-sector networks and develop new solutions for the people they serve. Over three days (Nov. 4-6), conference participants heard four keynote addresses and […]Continue readingProvincial conference brings together 400 human services, justice experts
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Workplace mental health programs significantly increases bottom line
A first-of-its-kind report by Deloitte Canada reveals a greater return on investment (ROI) for companies that implement workplace mental health programs. The ROI in workplace mental health programs: Good for people, good for business report compares companies with existing mental health programs in place for a year to companies with programs in place for three […]Continue readingWorkplace mental health programs significantly increases bottom line
Cannabis regulation expanded to include edibles, extracts, topicals
One year after recreational cannabis became legal in Canada with the regulated sale of leaves, oils and seeds, the next stage of products for regulation is now in effect, which includes edibles, extracts and topicals. As of the one-year anniversary of legalization Oct. 17, licensed processors and distributors may apply for the authorization and sale […]Continue readingCannabis regulation expanded to include edibles, extracts, topicals
HQO seeking professional input on opioids, mental health quality standards
Health Quality Ontario is seeking health care professionals, system planners and agency/hospital leaders to take part in a survey on opioid prescribing, opioid use disorder and mental health-related quality standards. The survey aims to learn more about who’s using the quality standards and how the standards are being used. Health care leaders can share their thoughts […]Continue readingHQO seeking professional input on opioids, mental health quality standards
New bill could further increase alcohol availability in Ontario
The province has put forward a new bill this week that, if passed, would further increase availability of beverage alcohol for Ontario consumers. Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, 2019, outlines several proposed changes across many ministries that the provincial government says are aimed to reduce “regulatory burden” on businesses. The proposals related to […]Continue readingNew bill could further increase alcohol availability in Ontario
Instagram bans fictional depictions of self-harm and suicide
Instagram has announced that posts with fictional depictions of self-harm or suicide will no longer be allowed on the platform. The social network has expanded its policy to prohibit additional images of self-harm, including drawings, memes, content from films or comics that use graphic imagery. This follows a change in February where the company announced […]Continue readingInstagram bans fictional depictions of self-harm and suicide
CMHA Ontario welcomes new restrictions on promotion of vaping products
The Ontario government will begin enforcing a ban on the promotion of vapour products in convenience stores and gas stations effective Jan. 1, 2020, health minister Christine Elliott announced Friday. In January, the promotion of vapour products will only be permitted in specialty vape stores and cannabis retail outlets accessible by individuals aged 19 and […]Continue readingCMHA Ontario welcomes new restrictions on promotion of vaping products
CMHA Ontario welcomes new restrictions on promotion of vaping products
The following is a statement from Camille Quenneville, CEO of Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Ontario Division, regarding the Ontario government’s announcement on banning the promotion of vaping products outside of specialty stores: “This ban on the promotion of vapour products by the government of Ontario is a very positive step forward to addressing the […]Continue readingCMHA Ontario welcomes new restrictions on promotion of vaping products
Report says Canadian opioid prescribing practices are improving
A new report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information says the frequency of opioid prescriptions is trending downward in Canada. Opioid Prescribing in Canada: How Are Practices Changing? presents trends in opioid prescribing in Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia (2013-18) and Manitoba (2016-18). Key findings include: Fewer people are being prescribed opioids, down eight per […]Continue readingReport says Canadian opioid prescribing practices are improving
Experts advise coroners to start tracking first-responder suicides
A new report recommends Ontario’s coroners start tracking first-responder suicides and that an oversight committee be formed to identify deficiencies in mental health services for this population. These were among 14 recommendations made by The Expert Panel on Police Officer Deaths by Suicide in the wake of nine Ontario police officer suicides in 2018. The […]Continue readingExperts advise coroners to start tracking first-responder suicides