February 4, 2005
For Immediate Release

News Release

Michael Wilson to serve as Special Ministerial Advisor on Mental Health

VANCOUVER - The Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh, Minister of Health, is pleased to announce the appointment of the Honourable Michael Wilson, former federal finance minister, as special advisor to the Health Minister on mental health in the federal government workplace.

The appointment is an important element in the renewed commitment of the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada, in collaboration with provincial/territorial and non-governmental partners, to address mental health issues, including mental health in the workplace.

"As the country's largest employer, I want to assess what the federal government is doing to address mental health issues in the workplace," said Minister Dosanjh. “Simply stated, we need to be a leader and example for employers across the country."

Minister Dosanjh also announced that he has requested the formation of an interdepartmental task force to better integrate services and approaches between federal departments with a stake in mental health - including health, treasury board, justice, corrections, and human resources. In addition, the Minister will soon formerly request his ministerial colleagues to identify a senior official within their departments to help coordinate mental health related efforts.

Minister Dosanjh said Mr. Wilson will specifically assist him in the assessment of the government's approach to mental health within the federal workplace.

Mr. Wilson has been an outspoken and inspirational advocate of mental health issues since losing his son to suicide. In 2002, he was awarded the Special Recognition Award from the Canadian Psychiatric Association for “unwavering leadership to achieve the goal of Mental Illness Awareness Week."

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Media Inquiries:

Jean-Mathieu Dion
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970

Adèle Blanchard
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991