I have been showing up for Errington’s Hi Neighbour! Day for years, it never disappoints. This year is its 50th Anniversary and time for another celebration of friends, neighbours and community. I started out as always at the Errington Farmers Market, a market gem on Vancouver Island, checked out the entries for the Greater Errington Memorial Zucchini Race and cheered on the Hi Neighbour Parade. If you missed Hi Neighbour Day, you have until September to check out the market, every Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. the policy of the Market is: “Make it, Bake it, Grow it or Forage It”-- in order to sell at the market, each vendor has to be directly involved in the making, baking or growing of their product! Congratulations to the market board and all the volunteers, venders and musicians that make it so unique.
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.