Green Party Statement on World Mental Health Day

(OTTAWA)  – Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (Saanich – Gulf Islands), issued a call to action about mental health issues on WorldMental Health Day: 

“The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is Dignity in mental health and is an opportunity for us all to have a candid discussion about mental health issues and awareness.

“With one in five Canadians experiencing mental health issues during their lifetimes, and at a cost to our economy of more than $50 billion annually, no one is untouched by its effects.
“It is essential that we do more to prevent mental illness, expand access to care and work to combat the stigma of mental illness. In the next minority government, the Green Party will reaffirm our call to fully implement Canada’s mental health strategy.”

Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi, former First Nations Chief and candidate (Cowichan-Malahat-Langford), continued:

“Green MPs will work to extend the mandate of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) for another ten years. We remain committed to working with the provinces, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments to implement a mental health strategy in line with recommendations from the Mental Health Commission of Canada.”

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