2008 Champions of Mental Health
Right Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada
Champion - Public Sector
Stephen Harper is the first Prime Minister in the history of Canada to be so willing to talk about mental illness and mental health issues openly and with conviction. As a result of his actions, Canada is now undertaking major and transformative steps forward in the way we approach mental health. Mr. Harper has been selected to receive a Champions of Mental Health Award because of the leadership and vision his government demonstrated when they established the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and provided funding for the Mental Health and Homelessness Research Initiative.
Ms. Shelagh Rogers
CBC
Champion - Media
Shelagh Rogers, former host of CBC Radio's Sounds Like Canada, is recognized across Canada for her willingness to talk about mental health issues. Ms. Rogers has experienced and overcome depression, and speaks out about her illness to raise awareness about mental illness in Canada and inspire others to seek help. She also produced a radio series called "A Cruel Confusion" that exposed the challenges facing families of the mentally ill. Ms. Rogers is receiving a Champions of Mental Health Award for her advocacy towards mental illness and mental health issues, and her courage to speak openly about her illness on the national stage.
Ms. Mary Simon
President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
Champion - Aboriginal
Mary Simon is the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national voice of Canada's Inuit. She has devoted her life's work towards gaining further recognition of Aboriginal rights and to achieving social justice for Inuit and other Aboriginal peoples nationally and internationally. Ms. Simon has contributed to the creation and promotion of a national strategy for mental health, an anti-stigma campaign, and a centre for learning through her role on the board of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She is receiving a Champions of Mental Health Award for her invaluable contribution to advancing mental health issues facing Inuit communities.
Mr. Lloyd Craig
President & CEO, Coast Capital Savings
Champion - Private Sector
Lloyd Craig is the President & CEO of Coast Capital Savings Credit Union, Canada's second largest credit union. Mr. Craig's personal commitment to increase education and understanding of mental illnesses in the workplace has mobilized employers to take action on mental health issues. He has created an increased demand for mental health research in British Columbia, which prompted the provincial government to establish a Chair in Depression Research at UBC and a provincial business and economic roundtable on mental health. Mr. Craig is receiving a Champions of Mental Health Award for his outstanding leadership and advocacy of mental health in the private sector.
Dr. Alain LeSage
Centre de recherche Fernand-Seguin
Champion - Health
Dr. Alain LeSage is a researcher at the Centre de recherche Fernand-Seguin in Montreal, where he conducts research on etiology, prevention and treatment of severe mental illnesses. He has contributed significantly to evaluative, epidemiological and health services approaches for people with mental health issues. Dr. LeSage's involvement with the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry has helped put mental illness on the map. Dr. LeSage is receiving a Champions of Mental Health Award for his commitment to mental health research and helping Canadians dealing with mental illness to lead healthier and happier lives.
