Statement - Minister Goodale issues statement on Government Response to SECU Report

OTTAWA, Feb. 1, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today issued the following statement on the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, entitled Healthy Minds, Safe Communities: Supporting our Public Safety Officers through a National Strategy for Operational Stress Injuries.

"I welcome the findings of the report and accept the Committee's recommendations. We will work closely with national partners to explore ways to implement them.

We know that post-traumatic stress injuries, and other operational stress injuries, disproportionately affect public safety officers – people who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and secure.

I was pleased to find that the outcomes of the report align closely with the issues Public Safety Canada, and partners across the Government, are already working to address. As outlined in my mandate letter, the Government of Canada is committed to developing a coordinated action plan in support of public safety officers.

The report includes diverse views that will help inform this ongoing work. Feedback from stakeholders has been consistent with the Committee's observations and recommendations, including increasing support for prevention and early intervention; research and public awareness; reduction of stigma; and support for diagnosis, care and treatment. Further, we agree with the report's recommendations that opportunities to coordinate and build on existing initiatives, such as peer support, training and return-to-work programming, can be leveraged.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to thank the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security for its comprehensive report. It will be a valuable resource as we move forward with our commitment to support the well-being and resilience of Canada's public safety officers."

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SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

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For further information: Scott Bardsley, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-998-5681; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, [phone]

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