Edmonton - Mental health challenges in the workplace are increasingly concerning, particularly among the dedicated individuals in Alberta's social sector who are on the frontline of addressing complex social issues. Recognizing this urgent need, ATB Financial and GreenShield are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership aimed at delivering essential mental health support to the 1 in 20 Albertans working in this vital sector. This initiative seeks to address the pressing need for mental health resources and support for those committed to social change.

ATB Financial and GreenShield, Canada’s only national non-profit health and benefits company, recognize the key role a robust non-profit sector plays in Alberta's overall well-being, impacting not only individual lives but also the province's economic, social, cultural, and environmental landscape. This partnership leverages their shared commitment to Albertans' well-being, combining ATB Financial's deep community roots with GreenShield’s industry-leading mental health solutions to support those on the frontlines of social change.

“At ATB, we recognize that a healthy and resilient social sector is essential to the well-being of Albertans and the vitality of our province. The challenges faced by those on the frontlines—those who tirelessly support our most vulnerable communities—demand urgent attention and action. A staggering 68% of social sector leaders report a surge in demand for their services. By investing in the mental health and wellness of social sector employees, we are not only supporting these incredible individuals but also reinforcing the foundation of a stronger, more compassionate Alberta,” stated Barb Sundquist, Vice President ESG at ATB Financial.

“As a proudly Canadian non-profit health and benefits company, our mission of Better Health for All has been our driving force for nearly 70 years,” says Mandy Mail, Executive Vice President, GreenShield Cares. “We are inspired by the values and commitment of those working in the social sector. We recognize the challenges they face in balancing increasing demands with constrained resources. That's why we are honoured to partner with ATB Financial to offer free mental health services, supporting resilience within Alberta’s social sector.”

Research commissioned by ATB Financial and GreenShield from Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC) has revealed the mental health challenges faced by Albertans in the charitable sector. Notably, the economic downturn is affecting the mental well-being of those working in Alberta’s charitable sector, with 41 per cent reporting negative impacts. In comparison, national research by MHRC report 37 per cent of Canadians are similarly affected by the economic downtown. Concerningly, the commissioned research showed 35 per cent of Albertans felt that their mental health impacted their productivity at work compared to the 16 per cent reported by MHRC’s in a provincial study.

The project will begin with a two-year pilot phase, providing quality and tailored mental health support, including virtual therapy and Digital Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Outcomes and learnings will inform future work to further impact those working in the social sector. As World Mental Health Day approaches on October 10th, it serves as a powerful reminder to prioritise mental health for everyone.