Calgary, Alberta | Monday, September 9, 2013 |
David Goldbloom, Chair, Mental Health Commission of Canada Board of Directors, is pleased to announce the election of Dennis Anderson to its Board of Directors.
As an individual with a life-long commitment to providing assistance to those who suffer from mental illness, Dennis Anderson also brings a wealth of political, international, development and professional experience to the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) in his new role as a director of the Board.
“I have been a supporter of the MHCC since Senator Kirby presented his ‘Out of the Shadows at Last’ report in May 2006 when I was on the national executive of the Canadian Mental Health Association and charged with the task of responding to the report nationally,” says Anderson. “I look forward to bringing my experience with and passion for mental health to the Commission as it moves into the second phase of its ten-year mandate and consolidates its successes and moves to influence — with its many partners and stakeholders — major long-term progress in mental health.”
Elected four times between 1979 and 1993 to the Alberta Legislature representing Calgary Currie, Anderson held several cabinet posts (Minister of Consumer & Corporate Affairs, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing, and Minister of Culture and Multiculturalism and Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues), as well as the Deputy Government House Leader for the Government of Alberta. During his six-year term as Commissioner with the Edmonton Police Commission, he initiated mental health training for police officers and in-depth look at the correlation of mental health issues, addictions, and homelessness to crime.
Currently serving as the Honorary Consul General of Thailand and Honorary Thai Trade Advisor to the Thailand Minister of Commerce, Anderson continues to advise the Alberta Alliance on Mental Health and Mental Illness. He was also the founding chair of the Alberta Lieutenant Governor’s Circle of leaders in mental health and addiction recovery.
“Dennis Anderson has championed mental health in Canada in ways few others have been able to do, supporting mental health during every post he has held during his professional career,” says Goldbloom. “His record of voluntary service related to mental health is outstanding and an example to other Canadians of the change one person can bring to our world. We are honoured to welcome Dennis Anderson to the MHCC Board of Directors.”
Earlier this year, Anderson was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for outstanding work and leadership on behalf of Canadians. In 2012, he was chosen by the Governor General of Canada to receive the Caring Canadian Award for outstanding volunteer work, primarily in the field of mental health. Along with numerous other awards, he is also the recipient of the 125th Anniversary Commemorative Medal in recognition of “significant contributions to compatriots, communities, and Canada.” Anderson was awarded the C.M. Hinks Award in 2000, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s highest honour for advocacy in mental health and one of few lifetime memberships with the Canadian Mental Health Association for lifetime advocacy in the promotion of mental health.
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
Contact:
Kyle Marr, Senior Communication Specialist
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Office: 403-385‐4050
Mobile: 587-226‐8782
kmarr@mentalhealthcommission.ca
