Thanks to everybody for the warm welcome to Lasqueti Days on Saturday, complete with the annual parade, the last Saturday market of the year and the Silly Boat Race (won by the False Bay Beast). I very much appreciated all those constituents who took time to talk to me about federal issues important to their families and community. Great to talk to Lasqueti Island Trustee Tim Peterson, old friend David Ham and Powell River Regional District director Andrew Fall. Thanks especially to Marilyn Darwin, market organizer and a director of The Last Resort Society, dedicated to improving healthcare and other services for Lasqueti. Nice also running into Trudy, Richard and daughter Anna and their four rescued sheep (including my friend Fennel!). Anna is a volunteer first responder on Lasqueti. I loved joining marchers in their chant, “More Flowers, Less Plastic”. I sure wish I could get over to Lasqueti Island more often, such a wonderful community!
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.