In addition to the sponsorship, CDN commits that all people-leaders will complete Tough Enough training prior to July 1. Following this, the training will be made available to any of CDN’s 750 employees and contractors who wish to participate in the training.

Training delivered in Canada will be sponsored by CDN. Training in the U.S. will be funded under the name of CDN’s global brand, CAVIS Energy.

“Today, we are making a clear statement that CDN understands that within every HSE program, there must be an equal focus on health as there is safety,” says Dean Fraser, CEO of CDN. “Within our industry, we are responsible not just for the physical safety of our people, but also for their psychological safety. We all have a responsibility to invest in the mental and physical health of our people, our industry, and the overall wellness of our communities.”

“In Canada, 3 out 4 suicide deaths are men,” says Tracy Golnick, Director, RCSP Men’s Mental Health programs. “This is especially concerning in male-dominated industries, where the stigma surrounding mental health is a significant barrier for men seeking support, as societal expectations often discourage those tough conversations and accessing resources. Building a workplace culture that emphasizes mental health, especially in trades and industry, is a key factor in suicide prevention for everyone.”

Tough Enough To Talk About It is a comprehensive mental health program developed in Grande Prairie and now licensed and delivered throughout the trades, industry, and agriculture sectors in Canada and the U.S. Tough Enough recognizes the unique nature, risks, and rewards of these demanding sectors and their impact on mental health and well-being. The training aims to build a workplace culture of support that reduces the stigma around mental health by cultivating an environment that encourages open dialogue and a support network.