Michel joined the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) in 2015, bringing a wealth of management experience and a unique mix of expertise in performance management, stakeholder relations, finance and accounting, and communications.
In his former role as MHCC’s Vice President of Organizational Performance and Public Affairs, Michel brought these elements together as the architect of the MHCC’s new 10-year strategic plan, Answering the Call, which he oversaw from its inception.
Michel is driven by his commitment to the principle of mental health for all — where people have equitable access to recovery-oriented, evidence-based, culturally adapted mental health care, when are where they need it.
Before joining the Commission, Michel enjoyed a wide-ranging career in management consulting and public affairs, serving as CIO of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, Press Secretary to the Premier of Ontario, and as president of several independent firms.
A lifelong learner, Michel earned an Executive MBA from the Université du Québec in Montréal; CPA, CMA designation (Chartered Professional Accountant/Certified Management Accountant); a graduate diploma in financial accounting and management accounting from the Université du Québec in Outaouais; and a Bachelor of Arts (History) from Laurentian University.
A highly motivated visionary and an expert at building partnerships, engaging stakeholders, and inspiring change, Ed has led innovation and improvement in healthcare for over two decades. As Vice President of Programs and Priorities at the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Ed is dedicated to promoting mental health and changing the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and illnesses. By collaborating with stakeholders to improve mental health services and supports, he leads the way for change. Guided by Changing Directions/Changing Lives: The Mental Health Strategy for Canada, Ed pays particular attention to reducing stigma and increasing awareness, promoting psychologically healthy workplaces and schools, improving access to quality mental health services, preventing suicide, and improving understanding of the impacts of cannabis on mental health.
As an Accreditation Surveyor and Technical Committee Co-Chair with Accreditation Canada/Health Standards Organization, Ed contributes to quality and safety in healthcare across Canada and internationally. He is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, holds a Master of Science Administration, and is a Certified Health Executive.
Karla joined the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) in 2014, bringing a wealth of health care leadership experience and a unique mix of expertise in research, marketing, communications and building key stakeholder relationships in the private, non-profit and government sectors.
As Vice President, Organizational Performance and Public Affairs, Karla is directly responsible for overall strategic and operational performance of the Government Relations, Stakeholder Relations, Communications and Performance Management functions. Karla measures the impact of MHCC focus areas and their activities to inform operations, track and report on progress, and evaluate performance. Through collaboration with the Executive Leadership Team, she ensures the alignment of the Commission’s operational plans and organizational processes with its strategic objectives and priorities.
Karla has earned a Master of Science in Statistics from Queen’s University as well as a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University.
A graduate of the Not-For-Profit Governance Essentials Program, Karla is also an active member of the Institute for Corporate Directors. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Family Services Ottawa, a registered charity providing a wide range of accessible counselling services and educational and supportive programs for children, adults, and families in all their forms.
- Rob has over 12 years of senior financial management experience with not-for-profit and privately owned organizations.
- Rob’s most recent role was as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice President of Finance with the YMCA, both in Ottawa and St. John’s, Newfoundland.
- Rob is a Certified Professional Accountant, a Certified General Accountant and received a Master of Business Administration from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
- As Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer Rob provides leadership to the overall direction and support of financial management within the Commission and is responsible for supporting the Board of Directors and Committees of the Board in discharging their fiduciary responsibilities.