NDP statement on World Mental Health Day and Mental Illness Awareness Week

NDP Mental Health and Harm Reduction Critic Gord Johns made the following statement:

“Today, as we recognize World Mental Health Day and Mental Illness Awareness Week, we stand with those struggling with their mental health, and with those fighting for a public healthcare system that truly recognizes that mental health is health.

We are all impacted by mental illness, either through personal experience or because we have watched people we know and love struggle. Every year, one in five Canadians experiences mental health issues, but too many cannot get help when they need it because of long waitlists or out-of-pocket costs.

The rising cost of living has caused enormous stress for Canadians and worsened financial barriers that prevent people from accessing supports. The Liberal government promised to make mental health a full and equal partner of Canada’s public healthcare system, but they have failed to deliver.

As Canada faces compounding mental health, toxic drug, and homelessness crises, we can no longer accept a system where mental health care is treated as a luxury good. That is why today I am introducing a bill that proposes to bring community-delivered mental health services into our universal health care system.

The NDP has always advocated for accessible mental health care, and we will keep up that fight until all Canadians can get support when they need it most.”