The health and well-being of judges emerged as the most significant concern from members, with many judges reporting feeling overwhelmed and under-resourced, leading to physical and mental stress.
The Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) recently circulated a questionnaire on health and wellness, which the Association strongly encouraged members to complete. The results are expected to provide crucial data to support calls for concrete improvements.
The Association is exploring initiatives to support preventative health and well-being, including:
- Expanding the supplementary health care insurance plan
- Offering new members-only programs
- Collaborating with the Commissioner’s office to encourage coverage of such services under the incidental allowance, as well as improvements to the Judges Counselling Program
The Judges Counselling Program (JCP) provides confidential counselling services to approximately 3,000 federally and provincially appointed judges and their families, addressing emotional and psychological issues stemming from work-related stress. The JCP Board is actively exploring solutions and alternatives. While a resolution is anticipated, a transition period will be required over the coming months.
