Back in the riding this morning to meet with constituents and stakeholders around numerous issues. None more serious than the daily tragedies faced by First Nations communities during the mental health and toxic drug crisis. Thanks to Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council President Judith Sayers for her hard work in the search for solutions and for taking time to talk to me about the State of Emergency in NTC First Nations. I was able to brief her on my meetings with ministers and senior officials in the search for much needed support.
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.