On 2–3 June 2026, mental health leaders from across Canada, the United States, and beyond gathered in Ottawa, Canada, for a high-level international exchange focused on strengthening collaboration, innovation, and equity in digital mental health.
Co-hosted by the eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC) and the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), the in-person gathering brought together 25 delegates under the theme “Stronger Together: Transforming eMental Health Across Borders.” The event provided a unique opportunity for leaders from healthcare, government, academia, community organisations, and the private sector to share insights, explore emerging challenges, and identify opportunities for collective action.
A recurring message throughout the discussions was the importance of trust as the foundation for meaningful progress. As one participant reflected, “Progress moves at the pace of trust.” This sentiment underscored conversations about partnership-building, system transformation, and the long-term sustainability of digital mental health initiatives.
The exchange featured contributions from a distinguished group of leaders and subject matter experts, including Matthew Chow (TELUS Health), Maureen O’Connor Abbott (Mental Health Commission of Canada), Anita David, Teresa Dukes (Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba), Asha C. (Canadian Red Cross), Patricia Lingley-Pottie (Strongest Families Institute), Colin Chu (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), Nicholas Watters, and Arthur C. Evans Jr. (American Psychological Association).
Several key themes emerged from the discussions:
Collaboration Drives Better Outcomes
Delegates highlighted the critical role of cross-sector partnerships in addressing complex mental health challenges. Collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, researchers, community organisations, and technology innovators was identified as essential for creating effective and sustainable solutions.
Human-Centred Innovation Matters
While digital technologies continue to transform mental health care, participants emphasised that technology should enhance—not replace—human connection. Successful innovation requires a strong focus on user needs, lived experience, and compassionate care.
Equity and Access Must Remain Priorities
Ensuring that digital mental health solutions reach diverse and underserved communities was recognised as a shared responsibility. Participants explored strategies to reduce barriers to access and promote more inclusive mental health systems.
Sustainability Requires New Approaches
Discussions also focused on the need for innovative funding mechanisms, stronger partnerships, and scalable implementation models to support the long-term growth and impact of digital mental health initiatives.
The event reinforced the value of international knowledge exchange and collective learning. As delegates reflected on both achievements and ongoing challenges, there was broad agreement that building trust, fostering collaboration, and sharing expertise across borders will be critical to advancing mental health outcomes globally.
Special recognition was given to Steve Appleton of the Global Leadership Exchange and Stephanie Priest, Director General at the Public Health Agency of Canada, for their leadership and contributions in helping bring the gathering together.
Reflecting on the experience, participants were reminded of an African proverb shared during the event: “Unless you know the road you’ve come from, you cannot know where you are going.” The gathering served as both a reflection on progress made and a catalyst for the work still ahead, strengthening a shared commitment to improving mental health for all.
As momentum continues to build across the global digital mental health sector, the relationships, insights, and shared commitments established in Ottawa will help shape future collaboration and innovation. The message from the exchange was clear: when trust comes first, progress follows.
