Those who are unemployed or in work roles they dislike are subject to increased stress, have increased likelihood of unhealthy lifestyles, and may be more prone to substance and physical abuse. Good jobs foster mental health whereas poor jobs cause distress (Loscocco & Roschelle, 1991).(31) For instance, in a September 2002 Ipsos-Reid survey for the Globe and Mail and CTV(32), one in six Canadians surveyed (17%) said there has been a time in their life when they've been under so much stress that they've wanted to commit suicide. As for what the main causes of stress in Canadians' lives are, their job or work (43%) and their finances (39%), were the most cited in the same survey.
Over $76.9 billion(33) was invested by all levels of government in Canada in the past year on health care. If only 1 percent of the people now availing themselves of health care services require them directly or indirectly as a result of inability to find and maintain suitable work, nearly $800 million annually could be saved. If the actual percentage is higher, say a modest 5 percent, this equates to $4 billion annually. Some or all of this could be invested in improved health care services for all citizens.
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