Il faut marcher, il y a tant à faire       
S’immiscer dans la lumière
Une longue nuit de l’hiver  

As we approach the winter solstice, the words of Daniel Bélanger’s beautiful song, Il y a tant à faire comes to mind, roughly translated they tell us, “We must keep walking, there is so much to do, Slip into the light. Through a long winter’s night.”

This song speaks to overcoming adversity. It calls us to act, to persevere, and to build despite the challenges.

Since stepping into my role as President and CEO of the Mental Health Commission of Canada last July, this has been my observation: the strength and vulnerability of people with lived and living experience, the determination of health and community professionals to find solutions, and the tenacity of interest holders from all sectors to make things better, because the status quo is not an option.

The winter nights grow longer, but we must keep our focus on the light: kindness, listening, mutual support, solidarity, and a sense of community. I remain deeply moved by the incredible generosity of the people I have met over the past few months; their willingness to share their stories, their visions, and their hopes for mental wellness and mental health across Turtle Island.

I wish all of us a moment of rest and respite as the year draws to a close, surrounded by those we hold dear. For me, that will mean long walks along the St. Lawrence River in my snowy Charlevoix, cross-country and downhill skiing with family, and cozy evenings by the fire. Let’s take time to do what nourishes us and recharge our batteries, because there is so much to do.

Warm regards,

Lili-Anna Pereša
President and CEO
Mental Health Commission of Canada