23 January 2025
13:00 – 16:00 (ET)
Virtual – Microsoft Teams
Health and Well-being Advisory Group Members
- Sergeant (Retired) Michael Blais, Canadian Veterans Advocacy (Co-chair)
- Dave Gallson, Mood Disorders Society of Canada
- Sergeant (Retired) Alannah Gilmore
- Captain (Retired) Tarik Kadri (Co-chair)
- Corporal (Retired) Dennis MacKenzie, Brave and Broken
- Dr. Stewart Madon, Canadian Psychological Association
- Dr. Gail Wideman, Canadian Military and Veterans Families Leadership Circle
- Dr. Brent Wolfrom, Queens University
- Dr. Don Richardson, Canadian Psychiatric Association
- Colonel Anna Grodecki, Canadian Armed Forces
Regrets
- Warrant Officer (Retired) Brian McKenna
- Constable (Retired) Trevor Jenvenne, Royal Canadian Legion
- Captain (Retired) Robert Thibeau, Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones
- Captain (Navy) Wade Brockway, Canadian Armed Forces, Director of Mental Health
- Sonia Poirier, Office of the Veterans Ombud
Veterans Affairs Canada Officials
- Dr. Lisa Garland Baird, Senior Researcher, Research Directorate (VAC co-chair)
- Elissa Morgan, Senior Analyst, Community Engagement
- Amy MacDougald, Senior Analyst, Community Engagement
- Kirstin Sweet, Project Officer, Community Engagement
Land Acknowledgement and Welcome Remarks
The VAC co-chair opened the meeting by welcoming Advisory Group members and encouraged everyone to speak in their language of choice. The co-chair offered a land acknowledgement and members were encouraged to reflect on the Indigenous peoples from the land on which they reside. The group paused for a moment to consider how they can contribute to the efforts of reconciliation.
The member co-chairs introduced themselves and shared about their professional backgrounds.
Review of Meetings Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct
The VAC co-chair presented a review of the terms of reference and code of conduct for the Health and Well-being Advisory Group. Members were reminded to follow the agenda, adhere to the agreed upon meeting etiquette and consider the mental health of everyone when sharing.
Review Priority Area of Focus
The VAC co-chair presented the group’s priority area of focus, as outlined in the mandate letter from the Minister, with a suggested schedule of how to focus on each work item at meetings over the course of upcoming year.
Co-Chairs Summary and Strategies for Action
One of the member co-chairs introduced the meeting’s objective to select the top three health and well-being priorities for the group, and identify three to four community based initiatives and/or best practices to support them.
Group Discussion on Priority Area of Focus
- The members had an open and honest discussion that focused on narrowing down the health and well-being priorities they submitted prior to the meeting.
- The members ranked their top three priorities and the outcome will be distributed to the group for final selection.
Closing Remarks and Next Steps
The co-chairs each offered closing statements and thanked all of the members for the great discussions.