Media Advisory – Canada’s Mental Health Commission at Forefront of Research on Mental Health and Homelessness

Winnipeg one of five Canadian cities participating in ground-breaking initiative

Ottawa, Nov. 19 – A series of news conferences will be held on Monday, November 23rd, to officially launch “At Home/Chez Soi”, a unique four year research demonstration project that will help us understand and reduce the incidence of homelessness in Canada. The purpose is to find the best mix of housing and support for Aboriginal people who are homeless and have mental health needs. Research tells us homelessness and mental illness are closely linked.The Winnipeg news conference will occur at:

Thunderbird House, 715 Main St.,

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Participating in the Winnipeg event will be experts in the field of mental health, social housing and research, as well as individuals who have experienced mental illness and homelessness. Speakers will include:

– Ms. Madeleine Dion Stout, Vice Chair, Mental Health Commission of Canada;
– Honourable Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development;
– Gabriel Dufault, Président, L’Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba;
– Ms. Lucille Bruce, Aboriginal Cultural Consultant;
– Ms. Betty Edel, Executive Director, Mount Carmel Clinic
– Mr. Damon Johnston, President, Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg;
– Dr. Brian Postl, CEO, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority;
– Dr. Digvir Jayas, Vice President (Research), University of Manitoba; and
– Mr. Lloyd Axworthy, President & Vice-Chancellor, University of Winnipeg

For further information: or to arrange an interview, please contact: Marcia Thomson, Winnipeg Site Coordinator, (O) (204) 945-4895, (C) (204) 781-3190, marcia.thomson2@gov.mb.ca; Barbara Czech, (O) (204) 832-3578, bczech@mts.net; Nujma Bond, At Home/Chez Soi Communications, MHCC, (O) (403) 385-4033, (C) (403) 826-3942, nbond@mentalhealthcommission.ca