Mary Deacon

Chair – Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative

Mary Deacon is Chair of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative, the largest-ever corporate initiative of its kind in Canada. Launched in 2010, Bell Let’s Talk supports improved access to care, workplace leadership, research and anti-stigma programs, including the annual Bell Let’s Talk Day and has contributed over $140M since its inception. Intended to build awareness, acceptance and action in mental health, Bell Let’s Talk Day has become a global phenomenon with people around the world sharing their stories of both struggle, recovery and hope. Prior to becoming Chair of the Bell Let’s Talk, she had a long and successful career in the philanthropic sector including almost a decade as the inaugural President of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation – supporting Canada’s largest mental health hospital. A passionate advocate and leader in the mental health community, Mary is respected and known for bringing people and ideas together to create positive change.

A graduate of the University of Guelph, Mary has received honourary doctorates from her alma mater, Wilfrid Laurier University and Dalhousie University for her pivotal leadership role in Canadian philanthropy, most notably in the field of mental health. She received the Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and in 2019 was appointed to the Order of Canada. Mary resides in Toronto and has two children.