A National Study on the Health and Wellness Determinants of Legal Professionals in Canada was published in October 2022 and identifies three objectives:

1. To develop a portrait of health and wellness issues in the Canadian legal community;
2. To identify the main risk and protective factors that contribute to the psychological health of legal professionals; and
3. To develop recommendations specific to the practice of law in Canada that will improve the health of professionals, in alignment with the mission of its law societies to protect the public.

The research found that a concerning number of legal professionals reported experiencing psychological distress, burnout, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

The Law Society recognizes the significant health and wellness issues identified in the report and aims to promote a culture of wellness in the legal profession to facilitate the delivery of quality legal services to the public. The Law Society’s Wellness–Health Crisis Working Group monitors developments and issues affecting health and wellness in the legal profession and recommends actions and/or initiatives to be taken. The Law Society is committed to the following goals:

• Increase awareness and understanding of mental illnesses, addictions and other health concerns to support members in identifying and addressing issues to mitigate risk to the public.
• Reduce the stigma associated with mental illnesses, addictions and other health concerns to encourage members to seek appropriate supports.
• Provide regulatory options to address mental illnesses, addictions and other health concerns experienced by members.

Member Assistance Program (MAP)

Mental health is a fundamental aspect of one’s overall well-being. As a member of the Law Society, you are eligible for free, confidential support through the Member Assistance Program. This is funded by the Saskatchewan Lawyers’ Insurance Association (SLIA) and the Law Society. The program is available to members of the Law Society and their eligible dependants, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is provided by Manitoba Blue Cross to ensure confidentiality. No one outside of Manitoba Blue Cross knows the identity of the individuals using the program and only anonymous, aggregate usage rates are shared with SLIA and the Law Society.

The Member Assistance Program supports members’ health and well-being through prevention, early intervention and treatment options and offers in-person service providers in Saskatchewan (current locations: Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Shellbrook, and Humbolt), online, telephone and email counselling services to meet your unique needs. The program is available for any concern—minor or major—to ensure members receive the level and type of support needed, whether self-directed through digital resources in the online learning centre or counselling from trained professionals.

Members of the Law Society must enroll with Manitoba Blue Cross to access the Member Assistance Program by completing the registration form and returning it to Manitoba Blue Cross via fax at 1-204-772-1231 or email to [email protected]. You are encouraged to register yourself and your dependants now to ensure timely access to these benefits should you need them.

Key features of the new program include the following:

• 12 counselling sessions annually in a wide variety of areas impacting mental well-being including:
  • addictions issues
  • family dynamics
  • financial counselling
  • marriage and relationship counselling
  • pre-retirement counselling
  • stress management
• Service providers offering in-person counselling in a variety of locations throughout Saskatchewan
• Optional virtual counselling sessions
• Online self-managed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• A comprehensive interactive Wellness Program

If you have any questions, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions or contact SLIA via phone at 306-569-3091 or email at [email protected].

Additional Supports