Gov. Gen. Simon launches mental health project for North, Indigenous communities

OTTAWA — Outgoing Gov. Gen. Mary Simon has launched a project to fund community-based mental health services in Northern and Indigenous communities.

The legacy project will be run with support from the Rideau Hall Foundation.

It is called Ajuinnata, an Inuktitut word that means “never give up.” The project will begin in Inuit Nunangat.

Simon launched a mental health learning and listening tour in 2024 as one of her priorities in the viceregal office. She said the people she met made it clear the shortage of stable services in the North is an acute problem.

“Relying solely on non-Indigenous professionals sent from the South on a temporary basis makes it very difficult to build the trust that effective mental health support requires,” she said at a ceremony honouring her time in office on Friday.

She said having peer support and care from people who understand the legacy of colonialism and residential schools is crucial.

“As we probably all know, healing flourishes through connection and culture,” Simon said.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the federal government is funding the project with an initial $5 million outlay, along with a pledge to match up to $10 million raised by the Rideau Hall Foundation.

Carney said Simon has drawn public attention to the needs of remote, rural and Northern communities throughout her time in office.

“You’ve often reminded us that reconciliation is a responsibility to be lived day after day, in how we listen, how we learn and how we act,” he said.

The Rideau Hall Foundation is a national charity that was launched in 2012 by former governor general David Johnston, who attended Friday’s event.

Simon’s term as Governor General is coming to an end next month. Louise Arbour will take her place in a formal ceremony on June 8.

Simon said her work is not over.

“My commitment to the people of the Arctic will never waiver,” she said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2026.

Sarah Ritchie, The Canadian Press