Post Event | Engagement Forum: Talking about mental health

On May 13, the Calgary Chamber hosted an Engagement Forum on mental health, bringing together community leaders and professionals for a focused conversation on the unique challenges men face when it comes to mental well-being. The event, sponsored by our Mental Health Pillar Partner Cenovus Energy, offered a space for reflection, honesty and collective learning. The panel was moderated by Dr. Matthew Hill, with the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. Panelists included Spencer Forgo, Vice President of Government Relations and Corporate Affairs at ATCO and Calgary Chamber Board Member, Chris Foster, Senior Partner and Managing Director at Accenture, with ties to Wood’s Homes and Jefferson Roc, CEO of PeerX.AI.

From the outset, it became clear that while men’s mental health is increasingly part of public discourse, it still carries layers of stigma and silence. The panel explored how cultural expectations and internalized beliefs often prevent men from speaking openly about their struggles. This tendency to “tough it out” not only delays access to help but also masks distress until it becomes unmanageable. Several speakers pointed to the emotional isolation many men experience, not necessarily from a lack of connection, but from a lack of safe, judgment-free spaces where those connections can go deeper.

One recurring theme was the need to normalize everyday conversations around mental health. The act of talking, of breaking the silence, was described as both healing and necessary. While therapy remains a critical tool for many, the panel emphasized the value of peer support: honest exchanges between individuals with shared experiences. These types of conversations don’t always happen in clinical settings, they often take root in friendships, workplaces, gyms and even barbershops. Recognizing and encouraging these less formal touchpoints can help lower the threshold for men to engage in meaningful dialogue about their well-being.

The limitations of the current public health system was also a key point of discussion. Panelists highlighted how mental health supports are often reactive, built around acute crises rather than early intervention or ongoing care. Waitlists, lack of continuity and a fragmented system leave many navigating mental health challenges without consistent support. The conversation acknowledged that while systemic reform is complex, there’s a pressing need to rethink how services are delivered, particularly for men who may not show conventional signs of distress or who fall through the cracks of standard models of care.

In addition to addressing systemic issues, the panel challenged the idea of a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. Factors like socioeconomic background, cultural identity and type of work all shape how mental health is experienced and addressed. For example, white-collar professionals may have more flexibility and access to services than blue-collar workers, who face different cultural and logistical barriers. Tailoring approaches to reflect these differences, rather than treating men as a monolithic group, is critical to developing effective, inclusive solutions.

There was also a broader reflection on how societal attitudes are changing. While older generations may have been raised with more rigid ideas of masculinity, today’s young men are increasingly open to discussing their mental health. This shift is promising, but it also reinforces the need to build environments that support these conversations from an early age. Schools, workplaces and communities all have a role to play in modelling emotional intelligence, empathy and care.

Ultimately, the forum emphasized that talking about mental health isn’t a side issue, it’s part of a larger conversation about how we care for one another. There’s no singular fix, but the path forward begins with making room for honest conversation, listening without judgment and acknowledging that health- mental, emotional, physical and social is interconnected.

This event was made possible thanks to the generous support of our Mental Health Pillar Partner Cenovus Energy, supporting sponsor Osler, student sponsor Lawson Collab and venue sponsor Telus Spark.

Cenovus: Our Mental Health Pillar Partner

In an effort to continue reducing stigma and empowering strength, Cenovus Energy has become the Calgary Chamber's Mental Health Pillar Partner. This transformational three-year partnership will promote mental health awareness, resources and education across all sectors and business sizes. It will also encourage employers, leaders and employees to maintain an ongoing focus on their own well-being and the well-being of those around them.