(OTTAWA) – The Green Party of Canada welcomes the intent of the Federal Ministers of Health and Finance during yesterday’s meeting on health-care funding with provincial and territorial ministers to strengthen mental health services.
“According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, mental illness costs the Canadian economy $50 billion per year. The present discord on health-care funding between the Trudeau administration and the provinces and territories is unfortunate, given the rising incidence of mental health problems. Canadians have the right to expect quality mental-health care wherever they live, but many don’t receive it,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands).
Dr. Richard Walsh, Green Party Critic on Mental Health and Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University, said: “Over 10 years ago, the Senate Committee on Mental Health recommended reforming mental-health services, in particular community services for individuals struggling with severe and enduring mental-health challenges.
“Recent reports also have noted inadequacies in services for children and youth and for Indigenous communities. Canada is blessed with registered nurses, social workers, and psychologists ready to play instrumental roles with physicians and community-support systems to ensure everyone’s well-being. The Green Party has long supported a robust comprehensive mental health strategy and health-care agreement that emphasizes improving Canadians’ mental health, particularly for underserved groups and communities,” Dr. Walsh said.
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Dan Palmer
Press Secretary | Attaché de presse
dan.palmer@greenparty.ca
m: (613) 614-4916