Way to go Ipsos-Reid - keep the surveys coming on mental health

New mental health survey sheds more light on impact of depression in the workplace

TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2007 /CNW/ - The Great-West Life Centre for Mental
Health in the Workplace (the Centre) today announced the release of a new
survey on the impact of depression in the workplace. The survey, commissioned
by the Centre and conducted by Ipsos-Reid this fall in association with the
Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health, asked
managers and employees about their personal experiences with depression.

The Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace represents
a long term, public service commitment. The Centre has two objectives: to
increase knowledge and awareness, and to turn knowledge into action - to help
employers, managers and employees prevent and reduce the impacts of mental
health issues in the workplace.

"This study sheds additional light on the issue of depression in the
workplace and provides us with some revealing data on how managers and
employees view this serious issue," said Mike Schwartz, Executive Director of
the Centre. "This is the first research project to be commissioned by the
Centre, and consistent with our public service objective, we are pleased to
make the results available to the public and to the Mental Health Commission
of Canada."

The survey revealed that:

- 19% of Canadian workers missed three or more work days due to
depression, stress or anxiety in the last 12 months
- 64% of employees who had been diagnosed as clinically depressed or
believed that they suffered from depression felt that a specific
event in their life triggered the depression
- Only 18% of Canadian managers said they had received training to help
them identify and deal with employees who exhibit signs of depression

Schwartz encouraged Canadian employers, managers and employees to take
time to read and understand the survey, and to become engaged in the issue of
mental health.

"The issue of mental health is complex and touches many lives," said
Schwartz. "By becoming informed and engaged, Canadian employers, managers and
employees can take steps today to better address workplace mental health
issues."

About the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace

Established in June 2007, the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in
the Workplace brings a unique focus to an important issue for Canadian
employers, managers, and employees. Focused specifically on the workplace, the
Centre is working to increase awareness and understanding and to help
employers take concrete steps to prevent and reduce employee mental health
issues. The Centre is a long-term, public service commitment to this very
important social and economic issue.

Results of the Ipsos-Reid survey will be available shortly on the
Centre's website at www.greatwestlife.com/centreformentalhealth.

About Great-West Life

Founded in Winnipeg in 1891, The Great-West Life Assurance Company has
long been a leader in the group benefits marketplace. Great-West Life is a
member of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies.

For further information: Marlene Klassen, APR, Assistant Vice-President,
Communications Services, (204) 946-7705