Perfect. Thank you very much. I appreciate that.
As I was saying, they collectively developed a framework that would allow programs and services to deal more effectively with major systemic issues and barriers such as labelling, discrimination, colonialism, racism, stigma, and discrimination in a planned and progressive manner in the years ahead.
ln terms of supporting other mental health organizations, we developed the only national multi-organizational mental health fundraising and anti-stigma and awareness campaign in Canada, called Defeat Depression. It is now taking place in over 55 locations across Canada and supporting local mental health organizations. As you will see by our extensive collaborations, we know that working collectively is the only way to move forward to address mental health and stigma in Canada.
Regarding the coordination of stakeholder efforts, MDSC strongly recommends that this committee consider selecting the Mental Health Commission of Canada as the principal national coordinator. Since the commission was created, it has brought a greater focus on the work of all mental health NGOs, professional health care associations, health care providers, and government departments. While each of the stakeholders has its own legitimate mandate and vision, the MHCC has demonstrated that it has the capacity and the community respect required to bring stakeholders together for a common cause.
The development of the mental health strategy for Canada has helped persuade all levels of government and Canadian society generally to pay greater attention to the huge economic and social burden of mental illness and to the benefits that positive mental health can have for Canadian society.
ln terms of research and the dissemination of findings, MDSC has helped pave the way nationally in the development of a national mental health research agenda, including the availability of statistics. For instance, MDSC was an active contributor to the discussion concerning the legislation that ultimately resulted in the then Government of Canada's creation of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. MDSC's national executive director was an original member of the institute's advisory board, and MDSC was rewarded a CIHR partnership award in research for its various research activities associated with the institute.
ln Budget 2012 this government entered into a contribution agreement with the Mood Disorders Society of Canada to develop, in partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the Ottawa Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, the Canadian Depression Research and Intervention Network, CDRIN. This is to develop a world-leading, patient-focused, engaged national research collaborative network, and we've now reached out to seven hubs across Canada with over 50 research institutions and community organizations involved in the network.
When it comes to the issues surrounding mental health care and suicide, this complex and devastating issue will require a multi-pronged approach involving all members of providers of care within all communities. We know that we are losing a person every two hours to suicide. We can't delay. By the time this meeting is completed today, another fellow Canadian will have taken their life.
As the members of this committee know, we have the experience, we have the will, and we have the reason to move ahead. Now we need to coordinate our approach, join our forces, and properly resource our efforts.
While we have come a long way in improving mental health care, there is still more that needs to be done, particularly in the areas of suicide prevention, the diagnosis and treatment of depression, and the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD. The benefits to the health care system and our economy are clear. As the government continues to position Canada for long-term success, it must aIso recognize and work with its partners to help alleviate social issues that impede our economic prosperity. Mental health issues, PTSD, depression, and suicide in particular, are three areas that must continue to receive attention and support as public policy is developed.
Once again, MDSC is grateful to this committee and wishes to work with you closely as we move forward.
Thank you.