Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has issued the following statement regarding the retirement of Bev Gutray, chief executive officer, Canadian Mental Health Association BC:

“For 26 years, Bev Gutray has worked tirelessly to break down the barriers of stigma and bring mental health out of the shadows and into the light. She has helped to bring the voices of people with lived experience to the forefront of mental health advocacy, public education and community services. 

“Under her trailblazing leadership, the Canadian Mental Health Association BC developed innovative programs and services to better support the mental health needs of families throughout our province. These programs include Confident Parents, Thriving Kids, a telephone-based coaching service for parents of children with mild to moderate behavioural challenges and BounceBack, a resource that teaches cognitive-behavioural therapy skills to people with mild to moderate depression or anxiety. These programs have helped thousands of families access the services and supports they need.

“As B.C.’s first Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing first-hand the compassion, vision and all-hands-on-deck approach that Bev brings to her work, which mirrors the approach we are taking as we build a better, more connected network of mental health and addictions services. Bev’s vision — where mental health is accorded the same value as physical health — is the same vision that we are carrying forward in the work of our ministry. Her legacy is inspiring and serves as a great reminder that we all have a role to play in building healthier communities and a mental health system that work for all British Columbians.

“On behalf of the Government of B.C. and all British Columbians, I want to thank Bev for everything she has done and commend her for an impressive legacy of work that will benefit many generations to come.”