Mental health issues can impact anyone, at any point in their lives, and can present in many ways. In any given year, it can affect one in five Canadians, from all walks of life, all cultures, all identities and all backgrounds. And when our mental health suffers, so does our physical health.

The Governor General is committed to using this moment in our country’s history to build on the work of de-stigmatizing mental health, so it is viewed through the same lens as physical ailments, and receives the same attention, compassion and understanding.

Addressing mental health and wellness within our families, our schools, our workplaces and our front-line services is hard and necessary work, but think of the possibilities for stronger, healthier and more prosperous communities. 

As individuals and as a country, we must prioritize our mental health the same way we do our physical health. By creating a platform for Canadians to share lived experiences and best practices, I hope to establish a network of support, ideas, resilience and hope. Together, we can improve the mental health landscape from coast to coast to coast.

The Governor General is committed to bridging the divide between how we view mental versus physical health.