Benjamin Leikin, mental health and substance use manager, Ottawa Public Health

Benjamin Leikin
Benjamin Leikin
Editor's Note

Each year, OBJ and the Ottawa Board of Trade honour 40 of the region’s top young entrepreneurs, business executives and civic leaders and recognize them for their professional achievements, expertise and community service.
Click here to see the full list of the 2021 recipients and click here to watch the special broadcast honouring the year’s recipients.

2021-06-09

Business: Promoting and protecting the health of individuals and our community.

Born: Ottawa

Biggest business achievement: Developed and implemented the first mental health strategy for the City of Ottawa.

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Biggest obstacle overcome: A lack of funding and government support for mental health programs and services.

Biggest influences: As an ADHD kid growing up, it was all the people in my life helping me channel my energy into positive outlets such as sports and volunteering – especially my grandma Phyllis, my parents and a few special teachers and principals who helped keep me out of trouble!

Biggest lesson learned during COVID-19: Don’t sweat the small stuff, because if you are safe and healthy, and your family is safe and healthy, everything else is small stuff.

Charitable involvement: The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention

First job: Rink attendant at Fisher Park community rink

Advice I’d give the younger me: You don’t have to have it all figured out, just keep working hard, have fun and be kind to others and yourself.

Favourite pastime: Any physical activity outside and in nature with my family

 

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