Blacksmith Cameron Bennett Advocates for National PTSD Care Support

Cameron Bennett, a blacksmith from St. Adolphe, Manitoba, is on a mission to secure national support for the establishment of an innovative mental health center dedicated to assisting individuals suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Bennett, a veteran of the Canadian military who served for two decades, including deployments in conflict zones like Yugoslavia and Afghanistan, has faced his own battles with PTSD since his release from service in 2018. This personal journey has inspired him to create Forging Ahead Inc., a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting therapeutic and creative approaches to manage traumatic stress.

On May 30, 2025, Bennett hosted a group of Manitoba leaders at his workshop, highlighting the potential benefits of his initiative. Attendees included Member of Parliament (MP) Ted Falk and several Manitoba legislative assembly members, such as David Pankratz and Billie Cross. During their visit, Bennett articulated his vision, emphasizing the limitations of his local support network and the need for broader governmental involvement. "I’ve taken this as far as I can," Bennett stated. "Without government funding, we cannot expand our reach to the thousands of PTSD sufferers in need."

Bennett's initiative has garnered attention not only from local politicians but also from academic circles. Linna Tam-Seto, a researcher at the University of Toronto and a member of the Families Matter Research Group, has expressed interest in collaborating with Bennett on research aimed at supporting military personnel transitioning back to civilian life. Tam-Seto's mentorship program focuses on women in the Canadian Armed Forces experiencing military sexual trauma. Pending funding approval, their collaboration is set to commence this fall, coinciding with an international convention where Bennett is slated to speak.

Bennett believes that the therapeutic benefits of hands-on skills, including blacksmithing, can provide veterans and first responders with a sense of control and accomplishment, crucial for managing PTSD. He argues that such activities do not trigger negative memories, allowing individuals to engage in healing processes. "These are ways that a lot of veterans find peace and calm," he explained.

With a vision for an expansive mental health center, Bennett hopes to replicate the model of the Haliburton School of Art and Design in Ontario, where he trained as a blacksmith. His concept involves a facility that offers a variety of creative disciplines, such as painting, sculpting, woodworking, and wilderness survival skills, all designed to be accessible regardless of economic background. Beyond educational offerings, the center would provide comprehensive mental health services, including psychological and social support.

Bennett's proposal also includes the establishment of a community park with monuments honoring Canada’s military and first responders, aimed at breaking down stigma associated with PTSD. He advocates for a shift in the mental health system, expressing concern that current services often fail to provide timely support. "This is the stopgap in the mental health system that is missing," Bennett remarked. "We need to provide preventative care to help individuals before they reach a breaking point."

The potential economic benefits for the St. Adolphe community are notable as well, with plans for a gift shop and farmer’s market on-site to generate income and further subsidize educational programs. Bennett's initiative is not only a personal crusade but also a broader call to action for improved mental health care for veterans and first responders across Canada.

As Bennett prepares for the upcoming convention, he remains hopeful that his message will resonate with both the public and policymakers. "Mental health struggles are, in my opinion, the biggest problem coming in the future, so we need to get ahead of it now," he asserted. With increased military funding on the horizon, he anticipates a surge in veterans requiring support, making the establishment of his proposed center increasingly urgent for the health and well-being of those who have served the nation.