Minister Clement Talks and Consults with the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness on Disability Management

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 8, 2013) - The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, outlined the Government's approach to modernizing disability management in the public service today with representatives of the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health.

"The public service needs a better way of managing its archaic disability management system," said Minister Clement. "A revamped plan will provide appropriate supports for new and emerging illnesses, such as mental health, which represents more than half of all disability claims among employed Canadians today."

"The Government is looking to introduce a short-term disability program to support employees through illness. Approximately 87% of Canadian employers provide short-term disability insurance, making the federal government one of the few large employers that does not offer coverage for short-term illness," added Minister Clement.

Modernizing the approach to disability management is part of the Government's efforts to reform the public service, encourage greater productivity and ensure Canadians are receiving the best value for their tax dollars.

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