I stopped by the picket line in Port Alberni to support striking Canada Post workers fighting to protect pensions, improve working conditions and push for higher wages that keep pace with inflation. Too many postal workers have to work more than one job just to make ends meet. As full-time workers, they should be able to afford their rent and groceries without having to moonlight. Thanks to striking workers who have gone out of their way to make sure social assistance cheques are delivered to those who depend on them, leaving the pickets to volunteer to deliver the cheques on their own time. We owe so much to our postal workers. It was their union that organized and secured 17 weeks of maternity leave in 1981, creating a precedent that would spread across Canada. Now, we will stand with them in their fight for safe working conditions and a long-term sustainable Canada Post. Love and courage to our posties everywhere!
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.