2026 Recipients
2026 CAGP-CCSMH Award Recipients
Congratulations to the 2026 award recipients for being recognized for their leadership and impactful work in mental health. Learn more about these incredible individuals creating positive change in the realm of older adults' mental health in Canada.
Suzanne Saulnier
Vision Award
2026 Recipient: Suzanne Saulnier
Suzanne Saulnier is Associate Director of Specialized Community Services, Behaviour Supports, and Specialized Geriatric Services at LOFT Community Services. LOFT is one of Ontario’s largest not-for-profit service providers, supporting individuals facing mental and physical health challenges, addictions, poverty, and homelessness.
The clinicians of the Integrated Psychogeriatric Outreach Program (IPOP) (recipient of the 2022 Seniors Mental Health Outstanding Care and Integrative Practice) nominated Suzanne for the Vision Award. The following are excerpts from their nomination:
“Suzanne’s exceptional leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment have enhanced the lives of seniors and their caregivers across health and social care systems. Her forward-thinking approach and deep respect for this unique population make her a visionary leader. Suzanne has led the development of innovative programs, addressing the complex needs of seniors experiencing mental health challenges and responsive behaviours. Her leadership in expanding BSO across York Region, South Simcoe, and Toronto has enriched the quality of life of seniors and their caregivers across community and hospital settings. She challenges traditional models by prioritizing autonomy and meaningful participation, ensuring the voice of seniors and caregivers remain central.”
"For over 30 years, Suzanne has creatively responded to the evolving needs of seniors with complex mental health and behavioural challenges. Her work emphasizes person- and family-centred care, integrating lived experience into service design and delivery. Her work addresses key priorities such as access to care and health equity, with initiatives grounded in sustainability, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. Suzanne champions strengths-based approaches that emphasize resilience in aging and help reshape community perceptions."
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Seniors’ Mental Health Outstanding Care and Integrative Practice Award
2026 Recipient: North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services (NSM SGS)
To support an aging population living with cognitive impairment, responsive behaviour, and mental health issues, the North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services (NSM SGS) program was established in 2016 by Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care (lead agency). The aim was to diffuse geriatric expertise and transform care across the health and social ecosystem.
Through a deliberate, integrated care approach, NSM SGS evolved independent clinical services into a regional seniors’ MH system, including:
- Interprofessional Geriatric MH services
- Behaviour Success Agent (BSA) program, embedded across hospitals and supported by a Community of Practice
- Expanded access to geriatric pharmacotherapy and psychiatry as the first satellite site of the provincial GeriMedRisk program
- Co-designed initiatives with care partners and community organizations to reduce caregiver stress
- Geriatric psychiatry in-reach to hospitals, Central Intake, and integration of tertiary mental health beds
- Advancing leading practices like an Antipsychotic Toolkit and an Anxious & Escalating Behaviour placemat as well as delirium initiatives
NSM SGS is a regional capacity building hub offering programs like Practice Shorts, Evening in Geriatrics, GPA/PIECES/PAC, seniors’ mental health curriculum, and regional conferences. The Leadership & Innovation event supports long-term care. The Geriatric Pharmacotherapy conference (with GeriMedRisk) attracts national and international participants. NSM SGS has embedded a researcher and people with lived experience enabling real-time feedback.
Learn more about this program: https://www.nsmsgs.ca/