The Knowledge Institute announces new executive director

We are pleased to announce that Nicholas Watters has been named executive director for the Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions, effective October 8, 2024.

Nicholas was previously the Director, Innovation at the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC).

During his 13-year tenure at MHCC, he led multiple portfolios aimed at ensuring that those living in Canada have access to equitable, culturally safe, appropriate, stigma free, and recovery-oriented mental health services and supports — when, where, and how they choose.

Nicholas is part of multiple pan-Canadian and international advisory councils to share knowledge and resources, including eMHIC (eMental Health International Collaborative) Global Leadership Council. In 2022, Nicholas received eMHIC’s Lifetime Achievement Award for e-mental health development, implementation, and forward-thinking leadership.

In 2018, Nicholas won the Great Canadian Healthcare debate, moderated by André Picard at the Canadian College of Health Leaders Conference. His winning topic was universal mental health care for all.

Nicholas also led the development of the SPARK Knowledge Translation program that has been running since 2012 and was replicated in Sweden, Australia and New Zealand.

Nicholas holds bachelor's degrees in political science and communication studies from the University of Windsor, a Master of Business Administration from the Australian Institute of Business, and a Certified Health Executive designation from the Canadian College of Health Leaders.