Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour

The Governor General is committed to bridging the divide between how we view mental versus physical health. The Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour comprised four sessions held in different regions across the country over the year. Each session brought together people of all ages with lived experiences, as well as health practitioners and established experts, to build awareness around innovative practices in the field, particularly in remote, rural and northern areas.

July 2024 - Eastern Canada (St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador)

A diverse group of people sit around a U-shaped table in a meeting room. The atmosphere is professional and collaborative, with papers and nameplates on the table.
A diverse group of people sit around a U-shaped table in a meeting room. The atmosphere is professional and collaborative, with papers and nameplates on the table.
A group of people sit attentively around a table with a red-checkered tablecloth in a kitchen setting.
A group of people sit attentively around a table with a red-checkered tablecloth in a kitchen setting.
A group of five people converse in an office, surrounded by shelves and a desk.
A group of five people converse in an office, surrounded by shelves and a desk.
A group of people sit around a conference table. A woman with gray hair holds a syringe while others watch attentively.
A group of people sit around a conference table. A woman with gray hair holds a syringe while others watch attentively.

The Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour was officially launched in Newfoundland and Labrador in July 2024.

The Governor General attended a wellness workshop at Lifewise Mental Health Peer Services, a leading organization in peer-support training. She also engaged in a round-table discussion on mental health with Atlantic Canadians to shine a light on their work and on ways their programs might inspire programming in other parts of the country.

As a final stop, she visited the Opioid Dependency Treatment Hub in Happy Valley-Goose Bay where she learned more about the unique needs of remote communities in addressing mental health issues.

“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.”

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada

November 2024 - Central Canada (Winnipeg, Manitoba)

A diverse group of people sit in a semicircle at a formal event. A large screen shows a related projection.
A diverse group of people sit in a semicircle at a formal event. A large screen shows a related projection.
A diverse group of people engaged in a discussion around a table. The walls feature colourful photos.
A diverse group of people engaged in a discussion around a table. The walls feature colourful photos.
A group of people sit at a conference table in discussion. Papers and water bottles are on the table.
A group of people sit at a conference table in discussion. Papers and water bottles are on the table.
A diverse group of 21 people pose indoors, smiling. Some are seated, others standing, surrounded by artwork on the walls.
A diverse group of 21 people pose indoors, smiling. Some are seated, others standing, surrounded by artwork on the walls.

The Governor General undertook a working visit to Winnipeg which included a visit to Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY) to learn about  wide-ranging, integrated services for unhoused and marginalized youth. A round-table discussion was also held at the Graffiti Gallery where experts, people with lived experience and change makers shared best practices and innovations in mental health services.

"We are working to honour the past and address its impacts so we might build a better, more inclusive society for the future."

Speech from the Governor General’s History Symposium: Fostering Understanding and Empathy Through Inclusive History, November 2024

February 2025 - Western Canada (Vancouver, British Columbia)

Governor General Mary Simon sitting at a table with a group of people. Some are seated, while others are standing. There are several craft supplies on the table.
Governor General Mary Simon sitting at a table with a group of people. Some are seated, while others are standing. There are several craft supplies on the table.
Governor General Mary Simon sitting next to a woman at a table full of craft supplies. The woman is pointing something out to her.
Governor General Mary Simon sitting next to a woman at a table full of craft supplies. The woman is pointing something out to her.
Governor General Mary Simon speaking with young men from the NeXup youth initiative in their music studio.
Governor General Mary Simon speaking with young men from the NeXup youth initiative in their music studio.
A group photo of Governor General Mary Simon, Mr. Whit Fraser and participants from the NeXup youth initiative.
A group photo of Governor General Mary Simon, Mr. Whit Fraser and participants from the NeXup youth initiative.

During her visit to British Columbia, the Governor General conducted the third stop of her Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour. She joined participants at Open Doors Group to witness how programs that use recreational activities as therapy make a difference in the lives of individuals who are recovering from or facing mental health challenges.

Later that day, she attended a round-table discussion at Dudes Club to learn best practices in communities across Western Canada for mental health and wellness, and met participants from NeXup, a youth-led initiative.  

 "I have had the opportunity to meet with people who are changing the way we think about mental health. They are peer-support workers, addictions counsellors and healers, therapists and leaders who are sharing best practices and finding ways to make things better for people with mental illness. They are making a difference in countless lives across Canada."

Message from the Governor General on Mental Health Week, May 2025

July 2025 - Northern Canada (Iqaluit, Nunavut)

Governor General Mary Simon stitching something. She is seated at a table with another person.
Governor General Mary Simon stitching something. She is seated at a table with another person.
A woman seated at a table. She has something between her hands.
A woman seated at a table. She has something between her hands.
Two people seated on a couch. One of them is using a hammer.
Two people seated on a couch. One of them is using a hammer.
Governor General Mary Simon participating in a round-table discussion.
Governor General Mary Simon participating in a round-table discussion.
Governor General Mary Simon having a discussion with a group of individuals at the Piruqatigiit Resource Centre.
Governor General Mary Simon having a discussion with a group of individuals at the Piruqatigiit Resource Centre.
Governor General Mary Simon having a discussion with a group of individuals at the Piruqatigiit Resource Centre.
Governor General Mary Simon having a discussion with a group of individuals at the Piruqatigiit Resource Centre.

The Governor General undertook a visit to Iqaluit, Nunavut, from July 7 to 9, 2025, for the fourth and final stop of her Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour. 

She visited the Tukisigiarvik Centre where she met with individuals participating in mental health and wellness programs that incorporate Inuit traditions and cultural practices. She also visited the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre, which integrates Inuit knowledge with western science in its approach to health research

"The time we take to teach and learn is a powerful source of hope."

Speech from the Governor General on Nunavut Day Celebrations in Iqaluit, May 2025

October 2025 - Québec, Quebec

Governor General Mary Simon sitting with a small group of people having a discussion.
Governor General Mary Simon sitting with a small group of people having a discussion.
People sitting at a table. One person is holding a microphone.
People sitting at a table. One person is holding a microphone.
A group of people sitting at round tables. One person is holding a microphone.
A group of people sitting at round tables. One person is holding a microphone.
"Governor General Mary Simon is standing at a podium addressing a room of people.
"Governor General Mary Simon is standing at a podium addressing a room of people.

The Governor General's Mental Health Learning and Listening tour culminated in a Symposium at the Citadelle. The Symposium convened changemakers, public officials and representatives from the cross‑country tour, consolidating a nationwide network of multidisciplinary experts, partners and practitioners united in championing mental health in Canada.

"Mental health should never be a taboo subject; instead, we must approach it with compassion and genuinely listen to one another."

Message from the Governor General on World Mental Health Day, October 2025

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