What a way to kick off the New Year! This morning, I joined other brave souls for the annual John Douglas Memorial Swim in Port Alberni. Braving the frigid waters is a *refreshing* reminder of resilience, togetherness and starting the year with a splash of courage, just as our friend John would have wanted. Thank you to everyone who waded in with us or came to cheer us on—it’s events like these that make our communities so special. Wishing you all a fantastic start to 2025, may it be full of energy, connection and new adventures!
Mood Disorders Society of Canada Meeting
It was a privilege to meet with representatives from Mood Disorders Society of Canada recently in Ottawa to discuss the important role of community organizations and peer support workers in helping Canadians with mental illnesses. They spoke about how the chronic underfunding of Canada’s mental health sector limits the ability of non-profit organizations to expand services and meet growing demand. We agreed that investing in community mental health organizations could reduce pressures on the healthcare system and help Canadians who are struggling. Finally, we talked about my Private Member’s Bill, C-414, which is pushing for parity between physical and mental health in our universal, public healthcare system. Canada is facing a mental health crisis and it’s clear we need systemic change so everyone can access care when they need it most.