You know the season has changed when it’s Fall Fair time in Port Alberni. Thanks to our volunteers for setting up our NDP table again this year and to our amazing BC NDP MLA Josie Osborne and her crew for being right there next to us. Most of all, I love connecting with old friends and meeting some new ones. As always, thanks to constituents who take time to talk to me about federal issues that are important to their families and community. Still lots of time to get down to the Fair, the “gathering place to celebrate and educate!” Here’s some photos from the first day.
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.