Urgent Call for Mental Health Supports in Nova Scotia’s Construction Sector

A report by Construction Safety Nova Scotia highlights a pressing need for enhanced mental health support within the province’s construction industry. The findings indicate that many workers are grappling with mental health challenges, and the current support systems are inadequate, potentially endangering their well-being and safety on the job.

The construction sector in Nova Scotia is currently experiencing significant growth, with projects spanning hospitals, roads, and residential developments. However, as demand escalates, so do the stress levels among workers. MJ MacDonald, CEO of Construction Safety Nova Scotia, emphasized the need for cultural change within the industry. He noted the traditional perception of toughness that discourages workers from discussing their mental health struggles.

“Our industry has been traditionally, perhaps, more of the tough guy persona,” MacDonald stated. “That culture of just ‘suck it up and get it done’ and cope and not talk about it. So, a lot of the work we’re engaged in is around reducing that stigma.”

The report reveals alarming statistics, showing that 50 percent of construction workers have contemplated leaving their jobs due to the high-stress nature of their work. This trend not only threatens employee retention but also raises concerns for safety on construction sites. MacDonald highlighted the connection between mental well-being and workplace safety, saying, “We know that anytime you’re distracted and stressed, your risk for having a safety incident goes up.”

In response to these challenges, the non-profit organization plans to launch a new program this fall aimed at providing mental health services specifically tailored for small and mid-sized construction companies.

Recognizing the importance of proactive mental health practices, MacKinnon and Olding, a local construction company, received accolades in 2025 for their commitment to mental well-being. Stacia Gunn, the company’s health and safety manager, explained that their supervisors conduct daily check-ins with staff to facilitate open communication. “They’ll go to see them if they have issues,” Gunn remarked. “It’s important that as an employer you train the supervisors to know how to receive that information from the workers if they’re feeling not mentally healthy that day.”

The open communication approach is also echoed by Nick Glawson, a site superintendent, who implements an “open door policy” for his crew. Glawson expressed the positive impact of transparency, stating, “It’s really nice because we have that transparency that they can voice their concerns and we can all kind of stay on the same page.”

As the construction industry in Nova Scotia continues to expand, the emphasis on mental health is becoming increasingly crucial. The new report serves as a roadmap for implementing effective support systems, signaling a shift towards prioritizing the psychological well-being of construction workers in a traditionally demanding environment.