Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health Announces Recipients of
the Seventh Annual Champions of Mental Health Awards
"Today we honour eight special Canadians who have made a significant contribution to advancing the mental health agenda in
This year's Champions of Mental Health are:
- The Hon. Peter MacKay, P.C., M.P., Minister of National Defence -
Public Sector
The award recognizes the department's funding and support of mental
health initiatives within the Canadian Forces (CF), and Minister
MacKay's personal comments concerning mental health and mental
illness issues among Canadian Forces members, many of which are on
the public record. Minister MacKay's commitments have led to the
hiring of additional mental health practitioners for the military,
the creation of several support centres across the country as well as
the launch of the CF Mental Health Awareness Campaign "Be the
Difference".
- Gen. Walter Natynczyk, Canadian Chief of Defence Staff - Public
Sector
The award recognizes Gen. Natynczyk's leadership in launching the CF
Mental Health Awareness Campaign "Be the Difference". His commitments
have helped reduce the stigma associated with mental illness in the
military and encouraged soldiers with mental health issues,
specifically operational stress injuries, to come forward and seek
help.
- LCol. Stéphane Grenier, Director of Casualty Support Management at
National Defence - Public Sector
The award recognizes the work of LCol. Grenier and his department on
the Operational Stress Injury Social Support Program (OSISS). This
program is designed to reduce pervasive stigma and improve social
support for CF members, veterans and their families affected by
operational stress injuries. LCol. Grenier's commitment to this
program has helped increased awareness of mental health services
available to soldiers.
- The Hon. Dr. Maggie Hodgson - First Nations, Inuit and Métis
The award recognizes Dr. Hodgson's extensive involvement in
Aboriginal health initiatives in Canada. As the Founder and Executive
Director of the Nechi Institute on Alcohol and Drug Education, Dr.
Hodgson has been the driving force behind many Aboriginal health
initiatives including mental health and addictions, family violence,
sexual abuse, and residential schools. She is one of the main
supporters of mental illness, addiction and support programs in the
Aboriginal community.
- Margaret Trudeau - Media
The award recognizes Ms. Trudeau's courageous decision to share her
experiences of living with bipolar disorder. Ms. Trudeau's actions
and advocacy have deepened the awareness of mental illness across the
country, and have inspired others living with mental illness to speak
out and to seek help when they need it.
- Dr. Donald A. Wasylenki - Research
The award recognizes Dr. Wasylenki's extensive involvement in mental
health research in Canada. He has provided exceptional leadership to
the Keenan Research Centre of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of
St. Michael's Hospital through supporting the development of
innovative programs and treatments for the organization and delivery
of mental health services.
- Mary Ann Baynton, Program Director, Great West Life Centre for Mental
Health in the Workplace - Private Sector
The award recognizes Ms. Bayton's commitment to increase education
and understanding of mental illnesses in the workplace through the
Great West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace. Her
advocacy has mobilized employers to take action on mental health
issues, and her outstanding leadership has promoted awareness of the
prevalence of mental illness across the country.
- Laurie Hall, Executive Director, A-Way Express - Community
The award recognizes Ms. Hall's extensive involvement in the mental
health community through A-WAY Express, a not-for-profit courier
service that provides jobs for people who live with mental health
issues. Ms. Hall has provided a supportive environment and
exceptional leadership in consumer-survivor initiatives and is a
driving force behind the reducing the stigma of mental illness.
About MIAW Sponsors
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Mental Illness Awareness Week and the Champions of Mental Health Awards cannot take place without the support of dedicated sponsors. They are:
For more information on Mental Illness Awareness Week, please visit www.miaw-ssmm.ca.
For further information: regarding the Champions Awards, please contact: Janessa Bishop, Fleishman-Hillard Canada, [email protected], (416) 277-7826
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