Champions of Mental Health Awards Gala

As part of Mental Health Week (May 4 to 10), Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston attended the 13th Champions of Mental Health Awards Gala. They are joined here by the 2015 recipients.

The evening was hosted by Michael Landsberg, Canadian sports journalist and current host of Off the Record on TSN.

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, delivered remarks.

During the evening, a special tribute was paid to Mrs. Johnston for her strong dedication and commitment towards mental health. She delivered a speech on this occasion: "It is more important than ever to be literate in mental health language when mental health issues impact more than a million Canadian children, and youth, yet less than 20 per cent will receive proper care. Seventy per cent of adults with mental illness report their symptoms started at a young age. Early diagnosis predicts a better mental health outcome."

Mrs. Johnston presented the Youth Award to Patrick Hickey, a Grade 12 student in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, and co-chair of Mental Health Matters—A Whisper to a Scream, a provincial mental wellness conference. Mr. Hickey was not in attendance; the award was accepted by his sister, Claire Hickey. Beginning in 2016, the Youth Award will be renamed The Sharon Johnston Champions of Mental Health Award for Youth, in honour of Her Excellency’s work in supporting and helping Canadians living with mental illness.