Calendar of Events

Robert Olson, Hilary Sirman

Robert Olson, B.A., M.LIS - Robert Olson is the Librarian and Writer at the Centre for Suicide Prevention in Calgary, Alberta, an education branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.  He holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature degree.  Robert has worked with the Centre since 2011.

Hilary Sirman, B.A.(Hons.)/B.Ed, MPA -  Hilary Sirman is the Director of Impact and Engagement at the Centre for Suicide Prevention in Calgary, Alberta, an education branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.  She holds Bachelor of Education and Master of Public Administration degrees from Queen’s University, as well as certificates from Queen’s Smith School of Business in Marketing and Human Resources.  Hilary has worked with the Centre since 2013 and has over 10 years’ experience in training, talent management and consulting for a variety of non-profit and private sector organizations in both Canada and Australia.

Does the state of the economy affect the suicide rate?
I’m concerned about my colleague at work…what should I say?
I’m stressed out at work and not sure I can take much more…

Research tells us that there is a direct 0.79% correlation between the unemployment rate and the rate of suicide deaths.  We also know that 70% of all suicide deaths in Canada are among working aged adults (ages 30-64).

The Mental Health Commission of Canada alerts us that businesses in Canada lost $6 billion in productivity costs to due to poor mental health in 2011. The human costs are equally as severe: stress, anxiety, absenteeism, loss of productivity, substance abuse, sick leave, strain on other colleagues, short-term disability and more.

Centre for Suicide Prevention works with corporate and public sector partners to educate and train employees and teams on simple steps for suicide awareness and prevention in the workplace.

Join us for this webinar focusing on the myths and facts of suicide, the costs and impact of suicide, warning signs, and how to respond after the death of a colleague. This webinar will also provide details about the Centre for Suicide Prevention’s education services and information resources available to all organizations across Canada. Content will feature our newest toolkit publication, “The workplace and suicide prevention”, available as a free resource on Centre for Suicide Prevention’s website.

Please note this webinar will be presented in English.  The slides will be available in English and French.

Click here to register.