NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and I visited the Denman Island Volunteer Fire Department. Thanks for the enthusiastic welcome by Fire Chief Rob Manering and CVRD Director Daniel Arbour. Jagmeet acknowledged the selfless work of volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers across the country and called for an increase to the tax credit they receive in the incoming budget. I currently have a bill before the House of Commons on this important measure. In addition to giving these volunteers more money in their pockets, it would also help local governments and communities to recruit and retain these vital first-responders. These men and women keep our communities safe in the midst of disasters. These are the people who show up when you’re having the worst day imaginable, and your family is at risk of losing everything. The very least the government can do is get them some financial help in support of their incredible work for our rural communities.
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.