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News Release - Manitoba

April 8, 2022

Manitoba Announces New Council of the Federation Mental Health and Addictions Award



The provincial government is calling on Manitobans to nominate individuals and organizations for an opportunity to win a $5,000 Council of the Federation (COF) Award for innovation in mental health and addictions care, Mental Health and Community Wellness Minister Sarah Guillemard announced today.

“I look forward to recognizing a deserving individual or organization this summer with this award to highlight the ways they make positive differences in people’s lives every day,” said Guillemard. “Mental health and addictions are complex issues affecting many Manitobans and every person’s experience is unique. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought these issues into greater focus and the COF Award is one opportunity to recognize the incredible work happening here in Manitoba.”

The COF Award for Innovation in Mental Health and Addictions Care is a one-time grant to be given in the summer of 2022. The award recognizes innovation and collaboration in the non-governmental, private and academic sectors. Thirteen awards will be presented, one per province and territory valued at $5,000, to support the initiative and further innovation.

All provinces and territories are implementing their own selection processes and will choose their own recipients. In Manitoba, a nomination review committee has been established with representatives from the Department of Mental Health and Community Wellness and from Shared Health, the minister noted. The award winners will be announced at the COF summer meeting in July.

Manitoba’s mental health and addictions professional community is diverse, Guillemard noted, adding it is hoped nominations will reflect the province’s principles of diversity and inclusiveness. Nominations will be evaluated on their innovation as well as on the anticipated success and benefit of the initiative to Manitobans.

The Council of the Federation consists of all 13 provincial and territorial premiers. It enables premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians.

Nominations are now open and will be accepted until May 1. Applicants are encouraged to submit nominations via an online form.

For more information on the award criteria and nomination process, visit www.gov.mb.ca/mh/mh/cof_award.html.

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