A time for action : Passons à l'action : lutte contre la stigmatisation et la discrimination

By providing a clear vision on how to address stigma and discrimination and creating a shared understanding and agreement to act the Commission will be able to effectively mobilize its large and varied community of stakeholders to deliver coordinated and targeted anti-stigma activities. [...] Those principles, and the multi-pronged approach proposed by the Consultants, are similar to those employed by the gay and lesbian community to destigmatize homosexuality in the latter part of the twentieth century. [...] A focus on rights protection, equal access to housing and employment, the avoidance of public labels that imply derision, and the mobilization of the gay community‟s economic and political clout shifted the discourse from deviance and stigma to human rights and discrimination. [...] The level of public response significantly exceeded initial expectations and reflects the high level of interest and investment on the part of Canadians in shaping the activities of the MHCC. [...] There is also a desire to see the Commission promote a broader understanding of mental health promotion, how it is nurtured, and that the requisite determinants of health are in place to support and sustain good mental health at the individual, family and community level.