Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division and Centre for Suicide Prevention are now accepting abstract submissions for speakers and workshop presenters at Alberta’s leading workplace mental health conference.

As Alberta's premier workplace mental health conference, Working Stronger offers two immersive days filled with transformative workshops, captivating keynotes, and inspiring stories. Our goal is to create and sustain mentally healthy workplaces that empower individuals and organizations to thrive. Join us as we collectively pave the way towards mentally healthy work environments that foster well-being, belonging, and success for all.

We invite you to be a part of the eighth annual Working Stronger Conference, hosted by Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division and Centre for Suicide Prevention at The Westin in Edmonton, Alberta on October 28 & 29, 2025.

This interactive in-person conference is tailored for front-line employees, middle managers, and senior leadership. Attendees will be equipped with the tools to bring positive change to their organization. Whether they’re navigating workplace mental health for the first time or refining established strategies, this conference is designed to empower people to harness the full potential of the people and resources within their organization.

The conference serves as a platform for passionate individuals from varying industries who are dedicated to advancing mental health within their organizations. Senior leaders, frontline employees, union personnel, consultants, occupational health and safety teams, human resource professionals, first responders, and health professionals come together to learn, share, and grow together.

Working Stronger features inspiring mental health speakers, engaging panel discussions, interactive workshops, and insightful stories from people living and working with mental health struggles.
Working Stronger is an opportunity to find tools, strategies, resources, and support to become an influential mental health champion in your workplace.

Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the Working Stronger Conference where knowledge meets action.

2025 THEME: STREAMS OF STRENGTH
This year, we invite you to embark on a journey through the Streams of Strength that flow into thriving workplaces. Like a river fed by multiple tributaries, mentally healthy organizations are shaped by interconnected streams of best practices, inclusive strategies, and creative solutions to unique challenges.

At Working Stronger 2025, we’ll explore these vital streams, charting a path towards workplaces that foster resilience, well-being, and engagement at every level. Together, we will build environments where individuals can thrive and organizations can flourish, no matter the challenges.

CONFERENCE STREAMS

Working Stronger: Streams of Strength will feature three conference streams:

1. NAVIGATING THE WATERS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH & SAFETY
This stream focuses on equipping workplaces to align with the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, offering clear guidance for creating sustainable organizational mental health strategies. Whether you’re just beginning to implement the Standard or fine-tuning your approach, you’ll gain practical tools and innovative insights to elevate your workplace psychological well-being rooted in best practices.

Attendees of this stream will:
Gain actionable tools and resources to build a culture of mental health that supports employees at all levels.
Learn proven strategies for implementing the Standard in diverse organizational contexts.
Explore real-world success stories from workplaces that have improved their psychological health and safety.

2. CHANNELS OF CONNECTION: BUILDING POSITIVE WORKPLACE CULTURES
This stream explores the importance of a positive workplace culture. Attendees will learn strategies to create environments that recognize and support the varying needs of all employees, including those needs related to identity, ability, and systemic barriers.

Attendess of this stream will:
Discover approaches to building supportive environments, community, and belonging within their organizations.
Learn from case studies of organizations that successfully support the varied needs of all employees.
Gain practical tools to support the varying needs of all employees, and to identify and address barriers to an employee’s sense of belonging and connection in the workplace.

3. RIDES OF RESILIENCE: OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN THE CURRENT
Creating buy-in and navigating limited resources can be some of the biggest hurdles of workplace mental health initiatives. This stream explores how to tackle these challenges head-on, with actionable advice for fostering commitment, overcoming obstacles, and adapting to evolving workplace demands.

Attendess of this stream will:
Engage in interactive sessions that explore how to secure organizational buy-in.
Hear from leaders who have overcome resource constraints to implement impactful initiatives. Gain skills in leveraging creativity and innovation to address unique workplace challenges.

BE A PART OF THE MOVEMENT
Join us as we navigate the Streams of Strength that converge into thriving, resilient organizations. Together, we’ll chart a course towards a future where every workplace is a source of well-being, belonging, and success.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT
ONLINE SUBMISSION PROCESS

DEADLINES
Call for Abstracts opens: March 3, 2025

Abstract submission deadline: April 11, 2025

Results notification: April 21, 2025

Conference sessions will be offered in a variety of formats:

• 60 minute presentations
• 90 minute presentations
• Poster presentations

Poster Presentation: Display space for Poster Presentations will be offered.  Posters will remain throughout the conference. Your poster should fit a 4'x4' space.  It can be printed on poster paper (laminated or not).  They will be affixed to the poster board stand with push pins. Foam boards will not pin to the poster stand.

Please note: Based on the number of presentations we receive, we may have to combine presentations. If your abstract is not accepted, you may have an opportunity to present a poster presentation.

The presenter may submit multiple abstracts for the conference. One submission for each presentation.

Please note: All presenters are asked to present in person at the Westin Edmonton

Presenter(s) may submit multiple abstracts for the conference.
All submissions will be evaluated using the following criteria:
• Relevance to the conference theme
• Clarity, relevance and coherence of the submission
• Contribution of knowledge, expertise or best practices
• Evidence that the submission will encourage interaction among conference participants
• Key points of presentation and evidence of ‘participant take-away’

Acceptance as a Presenter
• Please note: presenters must be paid registrants. Honoraria and travel reimbursement are not available. Presenters will receive a  discount on registration fees.
• An electronic version of the presentation must be submitted to the event manager shortly before the conference for posting to the CMHA, Alberta Division conference app.
• Presenters will be provided with a designated time to present by the conference committee.

Deadlines
Call for Abstracts Opens | March 10 2025
Abstract Submission Deadline |April 11 2025
Results Notification | April 21 2025