I’ve been watching Calgary’s business landscape shift toward mental health awareness for the better part of a decade now. It’s no longer just HR buzzwords—companies are finally putting real resources behind employee wellbeing, and this upcoming summit might be the most ambitious yet.
The 2024 Calgary Mental Health Summit has landed retired astronaut Chris Hadfield as its keynote speaker, bringing star power to what promises to be the largest workplace mental health gathering in the city’s history.
Having covered similar events in previous years, I can tell you this represents a significant elevation in profile. The summit, scheduled for September 17-18 at the BMO Centre, aims to bring together over 500 business leaders, mental health professionals, and policy makers.
“We’re witnessing a fundamental shift in how Calgary businesses approach mental health,” explains Dr. Sarah Chen, clinical psychologist and summit chair. “Five years ago, these conversations happened behind closed doors. Today, we’re seeing CEOs openly discussing burnout and psychological safety.”
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce has thrown its support behind the event, recognizing mental health as both a humanitarian and economic imperative. Chamber President Deborah Yedlin told me during a phone interview yesterday that mental health challenges cost Alberta businesses an estimated $1.4 billion annually in lost productivity.
“When we tallied the numbers, we couldn’t ignore the business case,” Yedlin said. “Companies with robust mental health programs show 30% lower turnover and significantly higher productivity. It’s not just the right thing to do—it’s good business.”
The summit comes at a critical moment for our city. Calgary’s economic recovery remains uneven, with lingering unemployment in certain sectors creating financial stress that inevitably impacts mental wellbeing. The pandemic’s long tail continues to affect workplace dynamics, while mounting evidence shows younger workers are experiencing unprecedented levels of anxiety.
Dr. Michael Thompson from the University of Calgary’s Department of Psychology will present findings from a three-year study tracking mental health indicators across 200 Alberta workplaces. The preliminary data, which I received an advance look at last week, shows concerning trends in reported workplace anxiety, especially among those under 35.
“The numbers tell us something important is happening generationally,” Thompson explained during our conversation at his Kensington office. “Younger workers are dealing with unique stressors their predecessors didn’t face—crushing student debt, housing insecurity, and the persistent feeling they’re falling behind.”
Hadfield’s inclusion feels particularly apt. The astronaut has spoken openly about managing extreme stress and isolation during his space missions—experiences that suddenly became relevant to millions during pandemic lockdowns. His session will focus on resilience strategies developed for high-pressure environments.
Deloitte Canada is sponsoring Hadfield’s appearance, part of the firm’s broader commitment to workplace mental health. Their 2023 report on mental health return-on-investment showed companies that invest in comprehensive mental health programs see an average $1.62 return for every dollar spent.
The summit isn’t just about big corporations though. Sessions specifically designed for small business owners acknowledge the unique challenges they face.
“Small business owners often neglect their own mental health while trying to keep everything afloat,” explains Linda Masterson, who runs a bakery in Kensington and will participate in a small business panel. “We don’t have HR departments or wellness programs. Sometimes we need different solutions.”
Having covered Calgary’s business community for years, I’ve watched attitudes evolve from treating mental health as a personal problem to recognizing it as a collective responsibility. This summit reflects that maturation.
The organizers have made inclusivity a priority, offering scaled ticket pricing and free livestream access to certain sessions. They’ve also ensured the speaker lineup reflects Calgary’s diversity, with representatives from Indigenous communities, new Canadians, and various industries.
Alberta Health Services will unveil new workplace intervention resources at the event, while WCB Alberta representatives will discuss evolving policies around psychological injuries in the workplace.
What makes this summit particularly noteworthy is its pragmatic approach. Rather than abstract discussions, sessions focus on implementable strategies, policy frameworks, and measurable outcomes. Attendees will receive toolkits with resources they can immediately deploy.
I’ve attended enough workplace wellness events over the years to recognize when something’s different. This summit feels less like a temporary response to the pandemic and more like the culmination of a genuine shift in how our city’s businesses approach mental health.
Early registration is already exceeding projections, suggesting Calgary’s business community is ready for these conversations. As someone who’s watched this evolution unfold, it’s encouraging to see mental health finally securing its place on the business agenda.
Registration details are available through the Calgary Chamber of Commerce website, with early bird pricing ending August 15.
