Photo: (left to right): Marion Cooper, CEO, CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg; Bill Martin, Medal Recipient; Annette Alix Roussin, Chair, CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg Board of Directors; and Louis Sorin, Medal Recipient.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Manitoba and Winnipeg hosted its Annual General Meeting on June 5, 2025, welcoming staff, board members and community partners to celebrate the impact and strong connections that power its work in mental health for Manitobans.
“The AGM and our Across Manitoba staff event are both a celebration and a call to deepen our shared commitment to mental health and well-being in Manitoba,” said Marion Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg. “We are proud of the progress we have made in expanding access to services across the province, supporting community resilience, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.”
The AGM included recognition of outgoing board directors and the election of new directors. A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of two King Charles III Coronation Medals, recognizing outstanding leadership in mental health. The medals were awarded to Bill Martin and Louis Sorin, who have been unwavering champions for mental health in Manitoba and Canada. Martin is a former director of CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg. Sorin served on the CMHA National Board of Directors and CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg Board of Directors. Through decades of advocacy, innovation, and impact, their contributions have helped shape more compassionate, accessible, and community-driven mental health supports.
Key initiatives were highlighted during the staff event in areas such as housing, youth services, rehabilitation and recovery, employment, and community wellness and outreach services. CMHA staff shared ongoing work from across the province.
“This is a pivotal moment in our ongoing journey to strengthen mental health in Manitoba,” said Annette Alix Roussin, Chair, CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg Board of Directors. “Mental health is foundational to every community, every family, and every life. We are proud of the dedication shown by our staff, partners, and community members in advancing mental health for all. Together, we’re building stronger, more resilient communities across Manitoba.”
Alix Roussin also acknowledged and celebrated the leadership of CEO Marion Cooper, who will transition into the role of CEO at CMHA National. CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg congratulates Cooper and wishes her every success in the next chapter of her journey with CMHA National.
To learn more about CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg’s programs and services, visit cmhaacrossmb.ca.
About the King Charles III Coronation Medal Recipients
William Martin: William (Bill) Martin has been a key leader in the development of Manitoba’s community mental health sector, beginning his work in the 1980s and continuing through the 2000s. As a pioneer, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Manitoba division and regional offices, enhancing access to community mental health services. He advocated for early intervention programs for individuals experiencing psychosis and developed family support programs to reduce isolation.
Louis Sorin: Louis Sorin is a prominent Indigenous mental health leader in Manitoba, with a significant impact on both provincial and national levels. He has served on the Canadian Mental Health Association Board of Directors for CMHA National and CMHA Manitoba leading work around truth and reconciliation and advocating for Indigenous perspectives in mental health. As chair of the National Collaborating Centre on Health Equity, he advanced understanding of the social determinants of health, emphasizing culture’s role in well-being. In Manitoba, Sorin led End Homelessness Winnipeg, developing infrastructure to improve services for those experiencing homelessness and led the 10-year strategy to end homelessness. He also created culturally and land-based healing spaces and fostered reconciliation through education for settlers. He is an Elder and knowledge keeper and has mentored and inspired hundreds of Canadians to be proud Indigenous People and Allies.
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