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(Image Credit: Northwestern Polytechnic)
By Nathaniel Leigh
Northwestern Polytechnic

NWP enters year two of workplace mental health study

Nov 6, 2026 | 12:42 PM

Northwestern Polytechnic is entering the second year of a three-year research project regarding workers’ mental health.

“One is Too Many: A Collaborative Approach to Psychological Health and Safety and Suicide Prevention” is a federally funded project to examine workplace conditions and occupational stressors.

The research team is recruiting industry leaders and workers to contribute their perspectives towards creating a healthier, safer workplace.

“Strong, sustainable industries depend on more than technical skills and training. They also depend on the health and well-being of the people who keep them moving,” said Dr. Vanessa Sheane, NWP President and CEO. “By working alongside industry and community partners, NWP is helping turn applied research into practical solutions that support workers, strengthen workplaces, and contribute to the long-term success of northern Alberta’s economy.”

Key outcomes from the project will include a comprehensive report on workplace stressors, a practical toolkit to help industry leaders, and a future directions paper to identify opportunities for further research.

“Using a Participatory Action Research approach, the research team is working directly with industry partners and workers across different roles and experience levels to better understand their experiences,” said Dr. Connie Korpan, NWP Research Lead.  “The findings will inform recommendations aligned with the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.”

Partners in the research project include the Resource Centre, CDN Controls, Northern Mat and Bridge LP and the County of Grande Prairie.

by Nathaniel Leigh