Thank you to Tseshaht First Nation for welcoming us to its territory on Orange Shirt Day, also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day when we remember the children who died in the Indian Residential Schools, the suffering of all those who were removed from their families through many decades and the legacy of intergenerational trauma caused by the government’s policies. It was a day to re-commit to the reconciliation of historical wrongs and the implementation of all 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Klecko Klecko to Elected Chief Councillor waamiiš (Ken Watts), Tseshaht Elders and all the community members who worked to make this year's walk and cultural events so successful and to the residents and visitors to the Alberni Valley for showing their support on this important day.
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.