Canadian government announces $11 million funding for Trauma

From firefighters and police officers to paramedics and correctional workers: Canadian public safety personnel will benefit from Post-Traumatic Stress Injury research

In the course of their daily work keeping our communities safe, public safety personnel are repeatedly exposed to traumatic incidents, which can put them at risk for mental health impacts and severe psychological difficulties, known as post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI).

With more research, we can better determine which policies, programs, and treatments will make the most difference for the mental wellness and resilience of people in public safety occupations.

That is why today, the Minister of Health, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, and the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, are highlighting the progress in PTSI research being made through investments by the Government of Canada.

Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness said:

“Public safety personnel put themselves in harm’s way to protect Canadians, putting them disproportionately at risk of post-traumatic stress injuries. Our country must do more to protect the mental well-being of public safety officers on-the-job.

The initiatives highlighted today will help address gaps in PTSI research and inform long-term plans to support the mental health and well-being of our public safety personnel.”

Today, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) released the results of its PTSI Catalyst Grant competition, which will provide 22 one-year grants of up to $150,000, for a total investment of $2.95 million.

These grants will serve as a springboard for researchers who are increasing our understanding of how to identify, treat, and prevent PTSI among public safety personnel.

Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health said:

“The investments we are highlighting today underscore the Government of Canada’s commitment to providing evidence-based solutions to improve the quality of life of the brave men and women who risk their own safety and wellbeing to keep Canadians safe.”

CIHR also recently launched the Team Grants in PTSI competition, which represents a further investment of $8.4 million.

This investment will support four-year research projects designed to develop the new research evidence and tools needed to address gaps in PTSI among public safety personnel in Canada.

The results of this competition are expected to be available in March 2020.