Mr. Speaker, how can the government explain that, in 2007, Canada is the only G-8 country still without a national mental health strategy?
On June 7, 2005, this House passed a motion calling for the implementation of such a strategy. Nearly one year later, a Senate committee made the same request.
There is no lack of evidence of the devastating effects that mental health problems have on individuals, families and businesses across the country.
Canadians with mental health problems have to wait too long for appropriate care and services. More importantly, these Canadians living with mental illness have been waiting for their condition to be recognized and to be shown that we understand what they are going through.
The government must act now. They have waited long enough.