CONSENSUS VISION

We envision a Canadian society that values and promotes mental health and wellness and is free from discrimination.

CONSENSUS GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. The MHCC will lead the development and implementation of the initiative.
2. The initiative will support and encourage all Canadians to lead by example in accepting, including and respecting others. 
3. People living with mental health challenges and their natural supports  must be invited to play a key role in developing and implementing the Anti-stigma / Anti-discrimination Initiative.
4. Any work done to promote mental health and decrease stigma and discrimination will contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Canadian health care system.
5. The initiative will recognize and reflect the diversity  of the Canadian population.
6. Cultural safety will be a cornerstone of the Anti-stigma / Anti-discrimination Initiative.
7. The Commission will work collaboratively with the mental health community to inform the development and implementation of the Anti-stigma / Anti-discrimination Initiative, further its objectives and develop effective, broad-based messaging about stigma and discrimination.
8. The Commission will seek engagement with diverse partners including leaders, persons of influence and change agents in various sectors.
9. The activities of the initiative will be informed by best/promising practices from research   and lived experience and will incorporate lessons learned from evaluation

CONSENSUS STATEMENT

Understanding the negative impact of stigma and discrimination towards people living with mental health challenges, their natural supports and Canadian society at large,

Recognizing that stigma and discrimination hinder the capacity of people living with mental health challenges to recognize, openly acknowledge, manage their conditions effectively and recover their lives,

Deeply concerned about how stigma and discrimination subvert the basic human rights of people living with mental health challenges, including but not limited to their right to be treated with dignity and respect,

Deeply concerned also about how stigma and discrimination serve as an impediment to people living with mental health challenges to live full, meaningful and productive lives in the community,

Deeply concerned further about how stigma and discrimination affect the allocation of resources for effective diagnostic, treatment and community support services,

And welcoming the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s commitment to a national Anti-stigma / Anti-discrimination Initiative,

We, the participants of the September 23rd 2008 Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Anti-stigma / Anti-discrimination Consensus Meeting:

1. Applaud the development and implementation of the Anti-stigma / Anti-discrimination Initiative;
2. Support the vision and guiding principles of the initiative;
3. Call upon the Commission to work collaboratively with the mental health community   to inform the development and implementation of the initiative, further its objectives and develop effective, broad-based messaging about stigma and discrimination.
4. Call upon all Canadians to support and participate in the initiative so that ultimately, discrimination is eliminated and stigma is not tolerated.