About the Mental Health Commission of Canada

Land acknowledgement

The Mental Health Commission of Canada head office is located on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation. As a national organization, we also acknowledge that we work on the traditional lands of many different nations.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) collaborates with leading experts nationally and internationally, including with people with lived and living experience, to develop national standards and strategies, promote innovation, improve mental health literacy, and advise and support all levels of government to improve mental health outcomes for everyone living in Canada. 

The Commission is a not-for-profit, pan-Canadian health organization with charitable status. Its primary funding is currently delivered through a Health Canada contribution agreement. The Commission also holds funding, research, and other partnerships with national health organizations, First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations, provincial and territorial governments, among others.

The Commission is seen as a leader nationally and internationally with a proven track record of convening and collaborating across the health and mental health sector to deliver transformative national initiatives, including Canada’s first National Mental Health Strategy, the world’s first National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, and At Home/Chez Soi, the largest Housing First study of its kind.

Position Summary

Reporting to the President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO), the Vice President (VP) Programs provides executive leadership and is responsible for all aspects from strategic planning for programs through implementation, reporting, knowledge translation and sustainability planning within the designated priority areas. 

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the VP is responsible for ensuring activities related to the priority areas align and are integrated with the broader mandate and other initiatives of the Commission.  This requires the VP to seek out and maximize opportunities for collaboration, alignment, mutual learning and support across the organization’s various projects and initiatives – keeping the broader mission and strategic objectives of the Commission in the forefront at all times. The VP may also provide back-up support and coverage for other members of the executive team, including the PCEO, as required. 

This position is eligible for a hybrid work model, subject to the Commission’s remote work policies, if any, as established, implemented, or revised from time to time.

The Ideal Profile

As an ideal candidate, you are a collaborative, strategic, and forward-thinking executive leader with a proven ability to translate vision into impact. You bring deep experience leading complex programs, involving multiple interest holders and external experts in the mental health or health sector and are skilled at aligning initiatives with organizational priorities, funder expectations, and national policy directions. A persuasive and functionally fluent in both official languages communicator, you excel at fostering partnerships with governments, Indigenous communities, academics, service providers, and other national and international partners and key players to advance system-level change.

You are known for empowering high-performing teams, championing innovation, and driving measurable results through thoughtful strategy, operational excellence, and strong governance. With credible executive experience in program design, evaluation, knowledge translation, and risk management, you demonstrate sound judgment, diplomacy, and foresight in cultivating sustainable collaborations and initiatives.

Your leadership is grounded in integrity and guided by a deep commitment to reconciliation, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. You model psychological safety and staff wellbeing, fostering a culture that values learning, transparency, and collective success. If you are passionate about shaping the future of mental health in Canada through strategic leadership, collaboration, and transformative action, we invite you to bring your expertise and vision to this vital role.

A Committed and Inclusive Workplace

The Mental Health Commission of Canada is committed to diversity in the workplace and workplace well-being. As such, applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, members of a visible minority group and those with lived experience of mental health problems or illnesses are welcomed and encouraged.

Boyden and the Mental Health Commission of Canada will provide accommodations upon request during the recruitment, selection, and assessment process for candidates with a disability.

In keeping with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada requirements, all qualified persons are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Submitting Your Application

This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated and passionate leader. To apply for this position, please submit your application and related materials to Marie-Hélène Gaudreault at by February 2, 2026 and state the title of the position in the subject line of your email.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.