This year, we acknowledge the Mental Health Commission of Canada with a Global Impact Award. 

The Mental Health Commission of Canada’s (MHCC) Digital Mental Health Strategy & Policy is a groundbreaking initiative and a beacon of ingenuity and compassion in the digital mental health field.

This initiative has set a new global standard in integrating digital health technologies (DHTs) into mental health care. Its forward-thinking approach prioritizes cultural relevance and accessibility, ensuring that mental health support advances but is also equitable across diverse communities.

Its bold strategy includes the development of a comprehensive assurance system for DHTs—a system that rigorously evaluates these tools to ensure they are safe, effective, and culturally appropriate. By empowering healthcare professionals to integrate these technologies into patient care pathways, this approach is reshaping the future of mental health care with a focus on long-term impact and systemic transformation.

The Digital Mental Health Strategy & Policy’s commitment to utilizing the most relevant and effective technologies is transforming the field, while its efforts to include cultural considerations set a new standard for inclusivity and collaboration. The results are tangible and already evident. Its streamlined evaluation and distribution processes have enhanced access to quality mental health resources and alleviated pressures on the healthcare system. The widespread adoption of its methodologies within Canada and internationally further validates its significant influence.

Three standout qualities make it deserving of the Global Impact Award: a pioneering assurance system, dedication to cultural alignment, and collaborative partnership. Inspiring approaches like this will continue to foster global progress in mental health care.

Congratulations to the Mental Health Commission of Canada!