FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Former Vancouver Canucks goalie Corey Hirsch was expected to touch down in Fort St. John next month to speak on mental health and addictions in the construction industry, but the event has been postponed until March.
The breakfast event was moved to March 8th due to logistical issues around COVID-19 protocols, according to the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of BC (ICBA)
Hirsch was expected to be in Fort St. John on February 3rd as part of a six-city speaking tour as ICBA’s new wellness ambassador.
“We have a mental health challenge in our society, and construction is no exception. We have to act, or too many of our friends and co-workers will suffer in silence, which all-too-often leads to tragic results. That’s why I’m so proud to be ICBA’s wellness ambassador,” said Hirsch.
An Olympic medallist, former Vancouver Canucks goaltender and current analyst with SportsNet, Hirsch has been open with his struggles with mental health. After debilitating panic attacks and weight loss, he reached out to his team trainer, who helped Hirsch get diagnosed and begin treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
“Together, ICBA and I will spread our message of the importance of starting conversations and breaking down the stigma around mental health, addiction and suicide.”
The largest construction association in Western Canada, ICBA launched its wellness program earlier in 2021. Already, 50 companies and over 3,000 construction professionals have been enrolled in the program.
“The feedback and support for ICBA Wellness has been tremendous from both construction company owners and the frontline workers,” said Chris Gardner, ICBA President. “At a time when society’s mental health is being stretched and challenged in unprecedented ways, I’m confident our effort is making a difference on construction sites around the province.”
For more information, head to ICBA’s website.
