The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) joined the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) at its annual Champions of Mental Health Awards to recognize individuals and organizations who have made an outstanding contribution to mental health in Canada. The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North (Ontario) and Minister of Status of Women, was named a parliamentarian champion for mental health. Erin Anderssen, a senior feature writer at the Globe and Mail, was recognized as a media champion for drawing astounding attention to the lack of accessible mental health care in Canada. The MHCC was honoured to present a champion award to the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences for leading the charge in workplace mental health.
“The leadership at Ontario Shores is passionate about supporting the mental and physical well-being of their employees — the people at the heart of all they do,” said the Honourable Michael Wilson, Chair of the MHCC and presenter of the workplace mental health award. “They set an extraordinary example as a true Canadian leader in workplace mental health.”
Together with HealthcareCAN, the MHCC nominated Ontario Shores Centre, an early adopter of the National Standard of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. The workplace category recognizes organizations that create positive work environments to support the mental and physical well-being of their employees.
“The Champion awards offer us an opportunity to celebrate the progress we have all made in promoting better mental health and tackling the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness,” said MHCC President and CEO Louise Bradley. “The awards also serve to inspire other individuals, communities and organizations to take on initiatives to address mental health and well-being at home, at work and with each other.”
For a full list of recipients, visit camimh.ca
-30-
ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for change. We are collaborating with hundreds of partners to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support. Our goal is to help people who live with mental health problems and illnesses lead meaningful and productive lives. Together we create change. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada.
www.mentalhealthcommission.ca | strategy.mentalhealthcommission.ca
Media Contact:
Kate Headley, Manager of Marketing and Communications
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Office: 613.683.3948
Mobile: 613.315.6556
kheadley@mentalhealthcommission.ca
