About Keith

Keith Mahar is a Canadian Australian with degrees in business administration and social work. While he now works in mental health in Australia, Keith previously worked in the Canadian broadcasting industry. It is a matter of record that he has challenged some of the most powerful vested interests in Canada. Justice Robert J. Sharpe designated him as a public interest litigant in Mahar v. Rogers Cablesystems Ltd., a precedent-setting legal case cited in decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada and High Court of Australia, and which continues to influence costs jurisprudence in public interest cases to this day.

In his chapter in ‘Coming Out Proud to Erase the Stigma of Mental Illness’, Keith shares his true story of experiencing severe mental illness in Canada and recovery in Australia. He details a life-altering episode of psychosis while campaigning for an inquiry into the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission that left him “effectively paralyzed by shame”.

In an open letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Professor Patrick W. Corrigan states: “Knowledge of Mr. Mahar’s story will serve to challenge the stigma of mental illness, raise awareness of recovery, and inspire hope for people with mental health problems and their families.”

Keith currently lives in Canberra with his partner Gail and their hound Gilbert.