Today is International Women’s Day which gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. Thanks to the Canadian Federation of University Women (Parksville-Qualicum Branch) Vice President Christine Pagan for welcoming Jagmeet Singh and I for a “fireside chat” in Parksville on Wednesday. It was an opportunity to hear from women in our riding on issues of concern. Jagmeet talked to the gathering about NDP priorities and responded to questions about the rollout of pharmacare and other health benefits the NDP has forced the government to establish; guaranteed living wage; clean water in Indigenous communities; the toxic drug crisis; carbon capture; homelessness; and, the NDP’s motion to end the horrors in Gaza. Thanks to all those women who took time to attend this gathering and for the important issues that they raised with Jagmeet and I.
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.