Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become a defining occupational health issue in Canada, with implications that stretch across healthcare, compensation systems, and public safety infrastructure. The newly released Federal Framework on PTSD: 2025 Report to Parliament highlights just how pressing the need for systemic action has become.

This article explores key insights from the report, offering a snapshot of national PTSD trends, federal strategies, and recommended actions for Workers’ Compensation Boards (WCBs), healthcare professionals, and employers.

A Growing Public Health Concern

An estimated 8% of Canadian adults experience moderate to severe PTSD symptoms annually. This figure rises dramatically among frontline and essential workers: 12–23% of first responders are projected to develop PTSD over the course of their careers. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this trend, particularly among healthcare and long-term care personnel.

Claims data mirrors this reality. From 2018 to 2022, PTSD-related lost-time claims surged by nearly 50%. In British Columbia alone, claims climbed from 4,500 in 2019 to 6,800 in 2023 after expanding coverage to more frontline workers.

The Federal PTSD Framework (2020–2025): Achievements and Next Steps

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) spearheaded a national strategy anchored in four pillars:

1. Improved Data and Surveillance

Through partnerships with Statistics Canada, the federal government launched comprehensive PTSD prevalence surveys. Results showed:

  • 63% of adults experienced at least one traumatic event.
  • Higher symptom prevalence among women, young adults, and frontline workers.
2. Evidence-Based Diagnosis and Treatment

PHAC commissioned McMaster University to assess clinical guidelines and is now building a national PTSD best-practices repository to guide clinicians across jurisdictions.

3. Education and Awareness

The “Words Matter” campaign and $50 million in innovation projects have already reached over 150,000 frontline workers, offering peer support tools and trauma training.

4. Collaborative Action

With 17 federal departments coordinated under one framework, initiatives like the RCMP's longitudinal PTSD studies and therapy tools like PSPNET have taken root.

While progress has been made, the report emphasizes a need for continued investment, particularly in streamlining services, reducing stigma, and centralizing educational resources.

Systemic Impacts on Workers’ Compensation and Healthcare
● Claims Complexity

PTSD claims are more expensive and take longer to resolve than physical injuries. For example, Ontario’s WSIB mental injury costs rose to $28.1 million in 2022, and many WCBs have since established specialized psychological injury units.

● Healthcare Infrastructure Gaps

Extended wait times, especially in rural areas, hinder recovery. Specialized trauma care is in short supply, and timely intervention is often unavailable.

● Challenges in Return-to-Work (RTW)

RTW success hinges on customized reintegration plans, peer support, and trauma-informed practices. Few employers currently have the resources or knowledge to implement these systems independently.

Policy Recommendations for a Resilient Future

To meet the growing demand and complexity of PTSD-related care, the report recommends:

  • Expanding Presumptive Legislation: Enabling faster access to support for at-risk occupations.
  • Promoting Resilience Training: Programs like Road to Mental Readiness and Resilient Minds should be adopted across all high-risk sectors.
  • Increasing Access to Specialized, Culturally Competent Care: Including rapid intervention models, holistic treatments, and ongoing training for clinicians.
  • Investing in Return-to-Work Support: Through trauma-informed navigators, individualized accommodations, and monitored reintegration plans.
  • Enhancing National Coordination: Creating centralized hubs for data, clinical tools, and training.
Conclusion: A National Commitment to Mental Health at Work

PTSD is no longer a fringe issue—it is a mainstream occupational hazard. The 2025 Federal Framework and supporting data reveal a healthcare and compensation system under pressure, but also a nation that is stepping up.

WCBs, policymakers, clinicians, and employers must act in concert to sustain momentum, reduce barriers to care, and create psychologically safer workplaces. Through early intervention, evidence-based treatment, and systemic coordination, Canada can lead globally in protecting workers' mental health.

📄 Want to explore the full report?

👉 Download AWCBC report on PTSD and Implications for Workers’ Compensation

👉 Download the Federal Framework on PTSD: Report to Parliament 2025