Statement by NDP Leader on Mental Illness Awareness Week

Today my New Democrat MPs and staff will wear an orange ribbon in the House of Commons to mark the start of Mental Illness Awareness Week.

Mental illness affects more than six million Canadians. Sadly, approximately 4,000 Canadians commit suicide each year and it is the most common cause of death for people aged 15 to 24.

During the election, New Democrats pledged to commit $25 million annually over the next four years for a Mental Health Strategy. Our focus remains to implement the following strategies, in line with recommendations from the Mental Health Commission of Canada:

• When establishing a Mental Health Strategy, New Democrats will work with the provinces, territories and First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments to implement best practices;
• A comprehensive strategy would include a public awareness campaign to address the stigma surrounding mental illness;
• The Mental Health Strategy would also acknowledge the need for affordable housing;
• The Mental Health Strategy would incorporate the National Suicide Prevention Strategy proposed by NDP MP Megan Leslie in Bill C-593.

Understanding that mental health is also a major issue in Canada’s prisons and correctional facilities, New Democrats will ensure that appropriate care, treatment, and interventions are available for mentally ill offenders in prison, as recommended by the Correctional Investigator of Canada.

Since mental illness affects one-in-five Canadians, regardless of race, religion, or region, we must work together to raise awareness, especially during this national public education campaign.