Thanks to MLA Josie Osborne and Hesquiaht First Nation Chief Councillor Mariah Charleson for inviting me to join her to celebrate the opening of Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Project at Hot Springs Cove. I have supported this initiative since first hearing about it from the late Richard Lucas and advocated with the federal government to confirm its role as primary funder and guarantor for the project in a timely manner. Congratulations to Hesquiaht First Nation for this enormous contribution to both reconciliation and climate action and ocean protection.
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.