At just 21 years old, Tyler Smith has already faced challenges most of us can’t begin to imagine. As a survivor of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash that claimed the lives of 16 teammates, staff, and coaches, Smith’s path has been one of profound grief, resilience, and ultimately, transformation.
He spoke last week at the meeting of the Alberta Seed Processors in Edmonton, Alta.
“It was a time where I had to prioritize my mental health and take a step back to truly heal,” he said of the weeks and months following the bus crash.
Since then, Smith has become a passionate advocate for mental health, sharing his story across Canada. His advocacy takes many forms: co-hosting the podcast Speak Your Mind, founding The Not Alone Company, a mental health awareness clothing line, and continuing to spread his message through public speaking engagements. He is also a recent winner of The Amazing Race Canada.
For Smith, it all comes down to one belief: “The power of a conversation can change everything.”
Mental Health in the Field
When it comes to the unique challenges faced by agricultural communities—a group increasingly vocal about mental health—his insight was clear: “Farmers have incredible stories, but sometimes they don’t give themselves permission to care about their own story. With so much change happening in agriculture—whether it’s the next generation bringing in new ideas or the pressures of adapting to an evolving industry—it can be overwhelming,” he said.
For Smith, the key is to help people embrace change, even when it feels daunting. “My number one piece of advice? Celebrate the small victories. It’s all about setting small goals and reflecting on how far you’ve come. That mindset helped me after the crash, and it’s something I carry with me today.”
When it comes to the stigma surrounding mental health, Smith shares a cautiously optimistic perspective. “I think we’re making progress. There are more resources available, and conversations are happening more openly. But the reality is, especially for youth, the pressures of social media, expectations, and the world they’re growing up in are tough,” he said.
COVID-19 also looms large in these discussions. “The pandemic did a number on a lot of people,” Smith observes. “There are ripple effects we’re still dealing with. So while we’ve come a long way, there’s still work to do to make mental health support consistent and accessible.”
The First Step: Connection
For those struggling or supporting someone who is, his advice is simple yet profound: start with connection. “It doesn’t have to be a big emotional conversation,” he said. “Sometimes it’s as simple as saying, ‘I had a bad morning’ or ‘I’m not feeling it today.’ Those little moments of honesty can lead to bigger, more meaningful conversations later.”
Smith emphasized the importance of empathy: “You never know what someone’s going through. Taking the time to connect, even in small ways, can make a huge difference.”
Of course, no conversation with Smith would be complete without touching on his latest adventure—winning The Amazing Race Canada Season Nine. When asked about the top lesson he learned from the experience, he didn’t hesitate: “Getting out of my comfort zone. Whether it was bungee jumping in Whistler or racing through challenges, it reminded me that sometimes you just have to take the leap. That mindset can open doors you never expected.”
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