The Honourable Michael Kirby holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Northwestern University. After teaching at Dalhousie University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Kent, he entered public service as Principal Assistant to the Premier of Nova Scotia. Later, after moving to the Federal government, Dr. Kirby was Secretary to the Cabinet for Federal-Provincial Relations and Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council from 1980 to 1983. He was deeply involved in the negotiations that led to the patriation of the Canadian Constitution and that gave us the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Dr. Kirby served in the Senate of Canada from 1984 to 2006 during which time he was Chairman of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. Under his leadership, the Committee tabled its seminal report: Out of the Shadows at Last, the first comprehensive examination of mental health and addictions in the history of Canada. This, together with Dr. Kirby’s stature among Canada’s governments and stakeholders alike has led in no small measure to the Federal Government’s announcement of the Canadian Mental Health Commission in March 2007, with Dr. Kirby as Chair.

Without question, Dr. Kirby’s tireless advocacy has helped to weaken the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. He has undoubtedly improved the lives of millions of Canadians affected by mental illness.