Ottawa ON - On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), I am very pleased to announce that Michel Rodrigue has been appointed as our new President and CEO, effective March 24, 2021. Those of you who are acquainted with Michel know him to be a skilled and thoughtful leader. For the last five years, he has worked closely with outgoing P-CEO Louise Bradley in his capacity as Vice-President of Organizational Performance and Public Affairs.

Not only has he been instrumental in creating the current successful culture at the MHCC, he has also been instrumental in supporting the Board of Directors as architect of Answering the Call, which will serve as the organization’s strategic road map over the next decade.

The timing of Louise’s departure, at a juncture where the organization is unified, strong, and clear-eyed in its forward-looking vision, allows Michel to seamlessly turn the page on the next chapter.

Over the last decade, Louise has demonstrated what successful leadership looks like. Her passion, credibility, and willingness to embrace creative approaches to age-old challenges have built the MHCC into the powerful force for change we know today. In concert with our many partners, we have made tremendous progress along the road to parity. Michel is committed to continuing this important work, while orienting the organization toward the future.

As we aspire to use our considerable influence and evidence-based research to “inspire, inquire, and improve” systems, services, and supports for people who live with mental illness or substance use concerns, our efforts will be guided by Michel’s steady hand.