NEWS RELEASE
CHARLIE ANGUS, MP FOR TIMMINS-JAMES BAY
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Today, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) unveiled the recipients of the 2020 Champions of Mental Health Awards. Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus was selected as the Parliamentarian Champion.
Each year during Mental Health Week, CAMIMH recognizes seven Canadians and organizations whose work has advanced the mental health agenda across the country. These remarkable champions were nominated by their peers, colleagues and community members.
CAMIMH Co-Chair Florence Budden says, at a time when our country and the world is faced with a crisis, it's important to recognize the great work Canadians do year round to support their communities. "The 2020 Champions' significant contributions to mental health is inspiring and we look forward to their continued positive action to help Canadians across the country."
Charlie Angus has been an advocate for mental health and minority communities for decades. At the age of 25, Mr. Angus and his wife opened a Catholic Worker House for the homeless, refugees and men coming out of prison in Toronto that provided a no-questions-asked site for men looking for a safe place to sleep and have a meal.
He continued to be a vocal advocate for disadvantaged communities, ultimately running for Member of Parliament where he has been the MP for Timmins-James Bay since 2004. In 2019, Mr. Angus brought forth a Private Members Motion that called on the government to establish a national suicide prevention action plan. His motion was accepted unanimously by the House.
"We thank all Champions for their hard work throughout the year to support mental health and break down stigmas," said Mark Ferdinand, CAMIMH Co-Chair. "As Canadians across the country are coming together - from a distance - to support one another during this difficult time, we are pleased to recognize the incredible work being done to improve services for those living with mental illness."
This year's theme is 'social connection,' asking Canadians to #GetReal about how they feel.
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