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Celebrating Mental Health Week: May 6-12, 2013

Celebrating Mental Health Week: May 6-12, 2013

It’s Mental Health Week! May 6-12, 2013 is the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s annual national awareness and education week. CMHA has been a champion for mental health since 1918 and has played an important role in improving people’s understanding of mental health and mental illness. The Centre introduced Mental Health Week in 1951 to raise awareness of mental illness in Canada. Speakers’ Spotlight is proud to represent many of the world’s top speakers on mental health issues:

Michael Bryant

Michael Bryant
Former Attorney General | Bestselling Author of 28 Seconds

A night that began with a dinner to celebrate his twelfth wedding anniversary ended in a jail cell for Michael Bryant―the Harvard-educated lawyer, politician, and CEO―when he was charged with dangerous driving causing death and criminal negligence causing death. Speaking publicly about his personal challenges, Bryant’s is a dramatic story of inspiration, survival, tough choices, and transformation. Read more….

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Ron Ellis
Former Toronto Maple Leaf | Mental Health Advocate

Celebrated hockey legend Ron Ellis is dedicated to increasing awareness of mental health issues. After retiring from his 15-year career as a Toronto Maple Leaf, Ellis―one of the most respected individuals to ever wear the “blue and white”―struggled to adapt to life post-hockey and thus began his battle with depression. Now the director of public affairs for the Hockey Hall of Fame, Ellis speaks with insight, humour, and compassion about his personal struggle to regain his mental health and the need for society to overcome the stigma that all-too-often surrounds issues like depression. Read more….

Sophie-Gregoire

Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau
Bilingual Host and Spokesperson

Sophisticated, intelligent, and passionate, Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau is a recognizable face on the Canadian cultural landscape. A former television host, Sophie is fluent in both official languages, making her a natural choice as a conference or gala host who infuses every event with warmth and polish, or as a spokesperson for a brand or cause. Some of Sophie’s topics surrounding mental health include self-esteem and eating disorders. Read more….

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Stéphane Grenier
Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired), Canadian Forces | Mental Health Advocate

In today’s modern workplace, mental health problems have become the leading cause of disability claims, accounting for 70% of workplace disability management costs in Canada. As a former post-traumatic stress disorder sufferer, Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Stéphane Grenier knows the toll mental health issues can take on individuals firsthand. Grenier offers audiences pragmatic advice designed to foster workplaces that support an open, non-stigmatized approach to mental health. Read more….

clara hughes

Clara Hughes
Six-Time Olympic Medalist in the Summer and Winter Olympic Games

“Being a champion is not just about winning,” says six-time Olympic medalist Clara Hughes. Believing that actions off the track define us as much as those on it, Hughes inspires people toward success in all areas of their lives. Her candid, personal talks range from how she believes sports can change lives to her struggle with depression—fully embodying the idea that each of us can overcome challenges to become the champions we’re meant to be. Read more.

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Sheldon Kennedy
Former NHL Player | Author of Why I Didn’t Say Anything

Sheldon Kennedy skated for three teams in his eight-year NHL career, but he is likely best known for his courageous decision to charge his Major Junior Hockey League coach with sexual assault for the abuse he suffered while a teenager under his care. Since then, Kennedy has become an unofficial spokesperson for millions of abuse survivors around the world, speaking about the importance of hope for survivors, an end to the stigma surrounding sexual abuse, and his desire to see meaningful penalties given to perpetrators. Read more….

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Margot Kidder
World Renowned Actress | Advocate

Margot Kidder has soared high in the sky (with Superman) and plunged to the depths of depression and despair. Through it all, she has shown that she has the strength to bounce back. By choosing to dwell on the great joys and rare blessings of her adventure-filled life, Margot shares her hope to reflect in the world the peace one finds within. Read more….

Dr. Gabor Maté
Noted Physician | Bestselling Author

A renowned physician, speaker, and bestselling author, Dr. Gabor Maté is highly sought after for his expertise on a range of topics, from addiction to mind-body wellness. Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr. Maté weaves together scientific research, case histories, and his own insights and experience to present a broad perspective that enlightens and empowers people to promote their own healing and that of those around them. Read more….

Seamus O’Regan
CTV National News Correspondent

Seamus O’Regan is one of the few journalists to have interviewed four former Prime Ministers—Brian Mulroney, Kim Campbell, John Turner and Joe Clark—together. Now a correspondent with CTV National News, the former co-host of CTV’s Canada AM is as equally at home conversing with others as he is sharing his own stories on topics ranging from leadership to the importance of mental health. Comfortable both in-front of the camera and in front of a crowd, O’Regan brings his natural charisma to everything he does. Read more….

Steven Page

Steven Page
Iconic Singer/Songwriter

Steven Page is a natural in front of a crowd. Having shot to international fame as the co-founder of The Barenaked Ladies, Page now boasts an impressive solo career, where he continues to showcase his creative genius. A witty, endearing, and searingly honest speaker, Page continues to earn his rightful place in our national conversation, speaking candidly about his personal issues surrounding mental wellness and the importance of ending the stigma surrounding mental health. Read more….

Valerie-Pringle

Valerie Pringle
Award-Winning Television Broadcaster

Valerie Pringle is one of Canada’s most accomplished and popular television hosts. Selected as one of the “Fifty Famous Faces of Fifty Years of Canadian Television,” by the Banff Television Foundation, her astute questions and charming wit make her an outstanding moderator,  host, or featured speaker for any type of event. Valerie speaks with passion on why she is an advocate for mental wellness, imbibing her speech with deeply personal content. Read more

Margaret Trudeau
Celebrated Canadian | Mental Health Advocate

Margaret Trudeau has garnered more publicity than any woman in Canadian history, enduring both the highs and lows of being in the spotlight for so long. Sharing her personal life story, from becoming a prime minister’s wife at a young age, to the loss of both her son and her former husband, to her journey of acceptance and recovery from bipolar disorder, she reminds others of the importance of nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. Read more….