Bell Let’s Talk Chair Mary Deacon opens up about the “bold new era” — and controversial shift in advocacy

Author Shannon VanRaes
Bell Canada will use all its media assets to spotlight community mental health organizations as part of strategy shift this January

Why It Matters

More than 200 Canadians attempt suicide every day and opioid deaths have increased 90 per cent since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing what mental health services are available could be a lifeline for those in crisis.

var TRINITY_TTS_WP_CONFIG = {"cleanText":"Bell Let\u2019s Talk Chair Mary Deacon opens up about the \u201cbold new era\u201d \u2014 and controversial shift in advocacy. Bell Media will no longer donate five cents to organizations offering mental health programs each time the phrase \u201cBell Let\u2019s Talk\u201d is used on social media or in texts on a particular day in January. Beginning this year, the company will provide a direct contribution of $10 million towards mental health initiatives with a focus on connecting people with mental health services and highlighting the work of partner organizations. \"This year's campaign marks a bold new era for Bell Let's Talk,\u201d said Mary Deacon, chair of Bell Let's Talk. \u201cWe know from research that's been done that 78 per cent of Canadians bel

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