Prime Minister Carney Announces Mental Wellness Initiative Honouring Governor General Mary Simon
Mary Simon Mental Wellness Initiative Launches Through Rideau Hall Foundation
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced new federal support for Indigenous and Northern mental health initiatives as Mary Simon prepares to conclude her tenure as Canada’s Governor General.
In a statement released May 29, Carney paid tribute to Simon’s years of public service, describing her leadership as instrumental in advancing reconciliation, inclusion, and Indigenous advocacy across Canada.
Simon made history in 2021 when she became Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General and Commander-in-Chief.
New Mental Wellness Initiative Launching
As part of the announcement, the federal government will provide an initial $5 million investment to support Ajuinnata: The Mary Simon Catalyst for Mental Wellness, a new initiative being launched through the Rideau Hall Foundation.
The project will focus on improving access to mental health supports in Northern and Indigenous communities, including counselling services, culturally grounded care, and peer-led mental health programs.
The federal government also pledged to match every dollar raised by the Rideau Hall Foundation up to $10 million.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the initiative builds on Simon’s recent Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour, a two-year effort that highlighted mental health challenges facing Northern and Indigenous communities.
As Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon concludes her service as Governor General, we thank her for a lifetime dedicated to Indigenous rights, reconciliation, and service to all Canadians.
We’re honouring her work with $5 million to establish the Ajuinnata: The Mary… pic.twitter.com/Gqq9WQAyRi
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) May 29, 2026
Legacy of Reconciliation and Advocacy
Carney said Simon’s tenure demonstrated that reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility rather than a single destination.
Throughout her career, Simon has been a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights, Arctic issues, reconciliation, and mental health awareness.
The Prime Minister credited her with bringing greater national attention to challenges facing Indigenous and Northern Canadians while helping elevate voices that are often underrepresented in national conversations.
Federal Government Honours Service
The statement also acknowledged the contributions of Simon’s husband, Whit Fraser, and their family.
Carney said Simon’s legacy will extend beyond her time in office through the initiatives and conversations she helped advance during her mandate.
“Her Excellency’s legacy will endure not only in her service, but in how she served – with grace, resolve, and a belief in Canada’s greatness,” the Prime Minister stated.
The federal government says the new mental wellness initiative will continue supporting communities and causes that were central to Simon’s work as Governor General.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office, Government of Canada.
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