History of Borealis Counselling Services

In 1983-84, Fort McMurray was one of five communities to participate in a National Canadian Mental Health Association study on Mental Health and the Workplace. The purpose of the study was to highlight the impact that personal and family issues have on one’s ability to fulfill job duties and responsibilities. One of the outcomes from this study was an identified need that there be a local service to whom employers could send their employees where these issues could be addressed so that their work performance would not be impacted. 

In response to this outcome, a number of the key employers and large companies operating in Fort McMurray came together to support the establishment of a local Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP), operated by Borealis Counselling Services (previously Personal Support Network).

Borealis Counselling Services has been providing employer-sponsored EFAP services in the community since 1987. Several of the original employers involved in the establishment of the Agency are still offering this benefit to their employees as a way to assist them in maximizing a safe, healthy and productive work force. Borealis Counselling Services also provides follow-up services such as on-going counselling and other necessary support for affected employees and family members as required or recommended.

During the Fort McMurray evacuation and wildfire in 2016, Borealis Counselling Services continued to provide counselling services to evacuated members of the community through both telephone and in-person counselling. Our agency re-opened it's doors post-evacuation and wildfire as soon as possible in order to continue supporting the community in recovering from this disaster.