October 19, 2026 | Photos by Stoo Metz Photography
On October 6, during Mental Illness Awareness Week, the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia hosted its 12th annual Let’s Keep Talking event at NSCC Ivany Campus, bringing people together to celebrate community mental health champions, share stories and encourage open conversations about mental health and addictions.
With CTV’s Paul Hollingsworth returning as emcee and three-time Olympian and mental health advocate Karen Furneaux delivering the keynote address, the evening was filled with meaningful connections, inspiration and reminders of the difference we can make when we support one another.
Celebrating Community Mental Health Champions
The evening included the presentation of the 2026 Let’s Keep Talking Awards, recognizing Nova Scotians who are making a meaningful difference through advocacy, lived experience and community leadership.
This year’s recipients included:
- Evan Treffler
- Louann Link
- Marg Murray
- Anne Marie Coolen
- Keonté Beals
Each of these individuals is helping to strengthen connections, encourage conversations and create more compassionate communities across Nova Scotia.
Read more about our 2026 Let’s Keep Talking Award recipients here.
Finding Strength Through Movement and Connection
As keynote speaker, Karen Furneaux shared her experiences as a three-time Olympian, world champion paddler and mental health advocate, reflecting on resilience, personal challenges and the importance of finding strength in connection.
Karen also encouraged the audience to get moving, leading everyone through a few stretches from their seats and offering a reminder that movement, in all its forms, can play an important role in supporting our mental wellness.
Her message reinforced the importance of making space for ourselves and one another, recognizing that mental health is something we all have and that connection, compassion and community can make a meaningful difference.
The evening also included a special surprise as Karen was presented with the 2026 Let’s Keep Talking Outstanding Advocate Award, recognizing her ongoing commitment to promoting mental wellness and encouraging others to prioritize their mental health.
Thank You for Keeping the Conversation Going
Let’s Keep Talking and the 2026 Let’s Keep Talking Awards were made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors:
- Presenting Sponsor: Bell Let’s Talk
- Gold Sponsor: Medavie Foundation
- Award Sponsors: Dalhousie University’s Department of Psychiatry, IWK Health’s Mental Health & Addictions, Nova Scotia Power, and Scotiabank
We also extend our sincere thanks to emcee Paul Hollingsworth, photographer Stoo Metz, St. John Ambulance and its therapy dog volunteers, NSCC Ivany Campus, our award presenters and everyone who helped make the evening possible.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate these remarkable individuals and continue the conversation about mental health and addictions.
Together, we’re helping to build a province where people feel connected, supported and reminded that they are not alone.
Event Photo Gallery
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