OTTAWA — The Tory tough-on-crime agenda appears to be tough on bureaucrats.

The federal Justice Department, the author of 46 crime bills since the Conservatives came to power in 2006, is looking for stress-reduction treatment for its employees.

Senior officials have ordered two nine-week programs, in each official language, that "will help individuals to deal more effectively with difficult thought and emotions that can leave you feeling stuck in everyday life."

The program will stress "mindfulness," which the department describes as "the practice of paying attention to the present moment, with acceptance and compassion."

The official tender posted this week calls for a series of sessions this spring for up to 40 people, with the Justice Department supplying refreshments and venues.

Total cost for the mindfulness-based stress reduction contract is set at more than $23,000 -- plus other costs -- with the possibility of additional sessions for more money.

The posting warns suppliers that "time is of the essence with this contract."

A spokeswoman said the department ran pilot programs in mindfulness for staff last fall, and found them effective.

"The beneficial effects of this program are well documented," Carole Saindon said in an email.

"The evaluation of the course demonstrates that all participants increased their ability to better cope with stress in the workplace.

"The need for effective tools to manage stress and promote mental health and the well being of employees in the workplace is widely recognized."

The internationally recognized mindfulness therapy was founded in 1979 by Jon Kabat-Zinn, an American Zen Buddhism and yoga specialist.