Your Partner in Shaping a Safer Workplace
Joel Gervais is an internationally certified addiction and mental health professional who has dedicated the past two decades of his career to supporting workplaces. With more than 25 years of experience in the field, he holds an advanced BA in Psychology and is a U.S. DOT-certified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). His career spans both the public and private sectors, including 13 years with the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, where he worked as a Rehabilitation Counsellor and Prevention Education Consultant. Over the past decade, he has continued his work in the private sector.
His experience also includes a three-year secondment from the Manitoba government to the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA), where he contributed to the development of Canada’s National Alcohol and Drug Strategy. His work has also taken him to Canada’s North and into collaboration with Indigenous communities and leaders across the country.
Joel is a nationally recognized speaker on managing addiction and mental health issues in the workplace and is a sought-after speaker at local and national HR and safety conferences.
My Experience
Safety-Sensitive Workplaces
Joel has served as the lead addictions consultant on large-scale infrastructure projects, providing consultation, assessment and training support to employers and community members. As a U.S. DOT-certified SAP, Joel also has extensive experience working with “safety-regulated” sectors such as trucking, aviation, rail, and resource-based industries.
Professional Colleges & Regulatory Bodies
Joel has extensive experience working with professional regulatory bodies in Manitoba, providing consultation and Fitness-to-Practice Assessments to licensed professionals in the health sector. This work requires a high degree of clinical judgment, objectivity, and an understanding of regulatory standards, public safety considerations, and professional accountability.
Insurers, Disability Management & Return-to-Work Services
Joel has worked closely with insurers and disability management providers across Canada. Providing addiction and mental health assessments and return-to-work (RTW) support, his work in this area offers employers and insurers important feedback on functional capacity, accommodation planning, and sustainable RTW outcomes for employees experiencing issues with substance use or mental health concerns.
Workplace Training, Policy & Organizational Support
Joel has provided consultation and training support to a variety of sectors, including heavy construction, manufacturing, and the energy sector. His work has helped employers develop practical policies that respond to workplace concerns and meet safety and regulatory requirements. He is frequently engaged to deliver education and training for leadership teams, HR professionals, and safety-focused organizations.
Work with Indigenous Communities
Joel has extensive experience working in partnership with Indigenous communities across Canada. His work in these settings includes consultation, training, and assessment support, all delivered through a culturally appropriate approach. His collaborative approach focuses on building trust, supporting community priorities, and providing practical guidance in addictions and mental health services.