I was up in Question Period again on Thursday asking the government to get serious about its funding allocation for Friendship Centres which are essential in the lives of thousands of Indigenous residents of both urban and rural communities. For many, they are a home-away-from home, providing culturally safe programs and services for Elders, children and families. Governments at all levels are increasingly reliant on Friendship Centres to deliver services, most recently as they relate to mental health and the toxic drug overdose crisis and the impact of catastrophic climate events such as wildfires and floods which have driven many people from their home communities into cities. The National Association of Friendship Centres is proposing a national budget of $63 million with inflationary increases over a ten year period. I support this sensible proposal which will provide sustainability and financial stability for these amazing organizations across Canada. I will continue to fight for Friendship Centres!
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.
