Their Excellencies Highlight Mental Health Efforts in Ottawa to Mark the Bell Let's Talk Campaign

OTTAWA, Jan. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will discuss mental health issues and how to break down the stigma associated with mental illness on Monday, January 23, and Wednesday, January 25, 2017, to mark the 7^th annual Bell Let's Talk campaign.

"I have had a lifelong belief that physical and mental health are vital requirements for a society to prosper," said Mrs. Johnston. "As such, I have put my support and position behind mental health issues during what will be a seven-year mandate."

On Monday, Her Excellency will deliver opening remarks at the 3^rd annual meeting of the Canadian Military and Veteran Families Leadership Circle and will visit the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health. On Wednesday, Their Excellencies will attend a panel discussion on mental health hosted by the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence. Later that day, they will participate in a discussion with members of the RCMP on their mental health strategy. 

Below is Their Excellencies' detailed itinerary. 

Monday, January 23

9 a.m.
Opening Remarks by Her Excellency Sharon Johnston
Mrs. Johnston will deliver opening remarks at the Meeting of the Canadian Military and Veteran Families Leadership Circle. The meeting will focus on early childhood and preschool education, physical and mental health, community and social services, rehabilitation and integration, employment, and labour. Following the remarks, the guests will be divided into groups to discuss various themes such as mental health, employment, education, research, transitions to civilian life and outreach.

The Canadian Military and Veteran Families Leadership Circle leverages the skills, talents and expertise of key community leaders to ensure the effective development and delivery of services and programs for military families. For more information, visit www.vanierinstitute.ca. 
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

1 p.m.
Visit to the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health by Her Excellency Sharon Johnston
Mrs. Johnston will visit the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, which received funding from the Bell Let's Talk Community Fund in 2012 to expand their youth mental health program. She will be accompanied by Bell Let's Talk Spokespersons Clara Hughes and Mary Walsh, and Bell Let's Talk Chair, Mary Deacon.

During the visit, they will have an opportunity to meet with youth who participate in the centre's programs and hear how traditional practices nurture the spirit and promote mental wellness.

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health offers programs and services designed to meet the needs of Ottawa's Aboriginal community. For more information, visit www.wabano.com.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Wednesday, January 25

1 p.m.
Panel Discussion on Mental Health
Their Excellencies will attend a panel discussion hosted by the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence to raise awareness and encourage dialogue around mental health.

The panelists will include Bell Let's Talk spokesperson Mary Walsh, Chief Warrant Officer Kevin West, Colonel Rakesh Jetly, Lieutenant-Commander Lyn Kingsley, and Director General Workplace Management Gilles Moreau. The event will be moderated by CTV News anchor Graham Richardson and Lieutenant (N) Julie McDonald.
National Defence Headquarter, 101 Colonel By Drive, Brigadier Malone Conference Room (formerly Conference Room D), 2 North Tower
OPEN TO MEDIA - Members of the media wishing to cover the event should arrive no later than 12: 30 p.m. by the Nicholas security gate.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer Eckersley, DND Public Affairs, 613-608-3793,
[email protected]

2:45 p.m.
Discussion about the RCMP Mental Health Strategy
Their Excellencies will meet with members of the RCMP to learn more about their Mental Health Strategy and to hear first-hand about its impact.

The RCMP has implemented a five-year mental health strategy that will guide its efforts and priorities in enhancing the health and safety of its employees. For more information, visit www.rcmp.gc.ca/fam/strat-eng.htm. 
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

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SOURCE Governor General of Canada

Media information: Josephine Laframboise, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-990-9324, 613-668-1929 (cell), [email protected]