2006 Champions

The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, is the 2006 Champion of Mental Health, Public Sector. The award recognizes his ongoing contribution to advancing the mental health agenda in Canada and for his work in advocating for and advancing the implementation of a National Mental Health Strategy.

Ms. Denise Taylor, Aboriginal Policy Coordinator for Interior Health, is the 2006 Champion of Mental Health, Aboriginal. The award recognizes her ability to work within the mental healthcare system and improve it for all Canadians, but specifically for those in Aboriginal communities.

Mrs. Jocelyne Monty, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Mental Illness Foundation, is the 2006 Champion of Mental Health, Community. The award recognizes her ability to focus much needed attention on issues related to mental health and to raise money to run programs dedicated to increasing awareness about and lowering the stigma attached to mental illness.

Dr. Paula Stewart MD, FRCPC, Senior Medical Officer, Public Health Agency of Canada, is the 2006 Champion of Mental Health, Research. The award recognizes the significant contribution she has made to collecting, collating, and interpreting data on mental illness in Canada. Her work will influence how Canada deals with the growing social and economic challenges associated with mental illness for years to come.

Senator Michael J.L. Kirby & Senator Wilbert Keon are the 2006 recipients of the Champions Leadership Award, an award established this year to recognize the contribution of individuals or groups who not only effect positive change in their personal actions, but also inspire others to make Canada a better place for the millions of Canadians who live with a mental illness. Under their direction, the Standing Senate Committee on Public Affairs, Science and Technology has become increasingly focused on Canada’s health care system. In May 2006, the Committee released Out of the Shadows at Last, a groundbreaking report that will significantly influence how Canada deals with the growing social and economic challenges associated with mental illness.