His advocacy has also led to tangible contributions at the municipal and national levels. In 2021, Joshua helped lead the development of a youth-informed recommendation report for a new suicide prevention strategy for the City of Hamilton. The report was submitted to the Mayor of Hamilton, Hamilton Public Health, the Suicide Prevention Community Council of Hamilton, and the Canadian Mental Health Association – Hamilton Branch, where it has helped provide a youth perspective in the development of the city's suicide prevention planning. He also contributed to the Mental Health Commission of Canada's Roots of Hope initiative through the Canadian Mental Health Association – Hamilton Branch, supporting efforts to strengthen suicide prevention and improve transitions between youth and adult mental health services.

Joshua's influence extends well beyond Hamilton. Passionate about strengthening Canada's mental health system, he has become a national advocate for suicide prevention policy and mental health reform. In 2022, he, along with existing calls for action, launched an open letter urging the federal government to implement a national 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline and subsequently met with Members of Parliament and federal policy advisors to advocate for its implementation and long-term sustainability. Following the launch of 988 in November 2023, Joshua has continued advocating for sustained funding and continued improvements to ensure Canadians can access lifesaving crisis support whenever they need it.

More recently, Joshua launched the Hope Can't Wait campaign, a national initiative calling for Canada to adopt a formal National Suicide Prevention Strategy. The campaign seeks to move beyond Canada's existing action plan by advocating for measurable national targets, dedicated long-term funding, greater accountability, national standards of care, stronger coordination across jurisdictions, and a whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention. In March 2026, Joshua successfully submitted a parliamentary petition to the House of Commons calling on the federal government to create and implement a National Suicide Prevention Strategy, while also working to reduce stigma, educate Canadians about suicide prevention, and unite organizations and individuals behind a shared national vision. The Hope Can't Wait Campaign will continue until Canada has adopted a comprehensive national suicide prevention strategy.

Joshua has consistently demonstrated leadership by initiating change rather than waiting for others to act. He currently serves as National Co-Chair of the National Advisory Council for the Mood Disorders Society of Canada and Chair of the National Advisory Council for the National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED). In June 2025, he joined NIED's national Board of Directors. He also serves as a Community Champion with Unsinkable and contributes as a member-in-good-standing of the Eating Disorders Association of Canada, the Global Mental Health Action Network, and the 988 Community Member Advisor Network. Across each of these roles, Joshua ensures that the voices of people with lived experience remain central to conversations surrounding policy, service delivery, and system improvement.

What distinguishes Joshua's work is his ability to combine lived experience with strategic advocacy. He believes that lasting change occurs when those directly impacted by mental illness are actively involved in shaping solutions. Whether addressing community groups, collaborating with national organizations, meeting with elected officials, or advising nonprofit leaders, he consistently brings compassion, authenticity, and practical solutions to every conversation. His work bridges the gap between community needs and public policy, ensuring that advocacy is both personal and evidence-informed.

Joshua has sustained this work through years of continuous volunteer leadership, collaboration, and a dedication to service. In addition to serving on national advisory councils and boards, he has published annual recommendations to the federal and Ontario governments outlining practical actions to improve youth mental health, suicide prevention, and access to care. By mentoring emerging advocates, building partnerships across sectors, and contributing to long-term policy initiatives, he continues to create lasting impact that extends well beyond individual campaigns.

Joshua's leadership and dedication have been recognized nationally.

In March 2025, he was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal by the Governor General's Office on behalf of the King for his significant contributions to Canada for his significant contributions to Canada through his work in youth mental health and suicide prevention. His ongoing commitment reflects a simple but powerful belief that every conversation, every policy improvement, and every life supported brings Canada closer to a future where no one faces a mental health challenge alone.