Vancouver, B.C. — The Honourable Michael Wilson, recently appointed Chair of The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), will deliver the keynote address to welcome more than 350 global mental health and disability leaders to the combined International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) and International Initiative for Disability leadership (IIDL) Leadership Exchange in Vancouver on Thursday, September 24, 2015.
The event will serve as Mr. Wilson’s first major public appearance in his new role as MHCC Chair. In addition to a very long track record of public service as a former Ambassador to the United States and federal cabinet minister, Mr. Wilson has a deep personal commitment to improving care and services for those with lived experience with mental illness.
Mr. Wilson will address the conference at 10:45 a.m. (PST) on Thursday, Sept. 24. He and MHCC President and CEO Louise Bradley will be available briefly for interviews at approximately 11:30 a.m. (PST)
Location:
Pavilion Ballroom Foyer, Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel
108 Burrard St.
Vancouver, BC
V6Z 2R9
IIMHL 2015 in Vancouver marks the second time Canada has had the honour of hosting this knowledge-exchange event. Canada last hosted the IIMHL in 2007, when the Government of Canada launched the MHCC. The Commission recently had its mandate extended for an additional 10 years, beginning in 2017.
Additional information about IIMHL 2015 is available at mentalhealthcommission.ca/iimhl.
Follow the event on Twitter at: #IIMHL2015 and @MHCC_
ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA
Guided by Changing Directions, Changing Lives: The Mental Health Strategy for Canada, the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is a catalyst for improving the mental health system and changing the attitudes and behaviours of Canadians around mental health – at home, work, and school, as well as with the media and healthcare providers – from coast to coast to coast. Through its unique mandate from Health Canada, the Commission is Canada’s coordinating agent, bringing together the best and most influential minds in the mental health community. The MHCC is collaborating with hundreds of partners towards a mental health system that is inclusive, adaptable, and supports Canadians living with mental health problems and mental illnesses in their recovery journey. Together we accelerate change needed to transform Canada’s mental health system and the wellbeing of all.
www.mentalhealthcommission.ca | strategy.mentalhealthcommission.ca
The International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) is a unique international collaborative that focuses on improving mental health and addictions services. IIMHL is a collaboration of eight countries: Australia, England, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, USA and Sweden. IIMHL organizes systems for international innovation sharing, networking and problem solving across countries and agencies. The overall aim is to provide better outcomes for people who use mental health and addiction services and their families.
The IIDL is the sister organization of IIMHL and is focused on disability services. It is a collaboration of four countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland.
For more information and to pre-arrange interviews, please contact:
Lindsey Scully
Director and Senior Writer
ENsight Canada
(613) 790-4393
