Every year, nominations are accepted in the following categories:

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1. Sharon Johnston Champion of Mental Health Award for Youth - Any Canadian 21 years of age or younger who has shown leadership in their community in promoting mental health and/or substance use awareness, or any organization dedicated to providing services for youth. 
    

2. Media- Any media personality or outlet who has contributed to public awareness of mental health, mental illness, and/or substance use health. 
    

3. Workplace Mental Health - Any employer or employee who has contributed to creating a mentally healthy workplace for staff.
    

4. Community Organization - Any organization that has provided great public service to community members experiencing mental illness and/or substance use.  
    

5. Community Individual - Any person, who through personal commitment has increased awareness about mental illness and/or substance use services, or reduced stigma in their community. 
    

6. Parliamentarian - Any provincial, territorial, or federal Parliamentarian who has advanced the mental health and/or substance use health agenda in Canada. 
    

7. Innovation - Researcher or Clinician - An innovative person or organization who, through their work, has advanced the mental health and/or substance use health agenda.