Employment is broadly recognized as an important cornerstone of social inclusion providing identity, purpose, meaning, social connections and the resources needed to participate in one’s community. People living with mental health issues face the highest unemployment rate of any disability group and for many work remains an illusive goal. Being left out of work leads to material deprivation, poverty, worsens physical and mental health, increases family burden and creates a sense of personal shame. Although people want to work, they report that stigma, discrimination and limiting public policies play a critical role in their exclusion from the workforce beyond the limitations of their illness. The Nova Scotia government is also recognizing the importance of improving employment access to marginalized groups to meet the province’s growing workforce needs.
