Mr. Speaker, the first week of May is Mental Health Week, devoted to the prevention of mental illness.
Everyone, regardless of age, income, sex, origin or occupation, must feel concerned by mental health promotion within the community.
The World Health Organization defines mental health as the ability to feel, think and act in such a way as to enhance our capacity to live life to the fullest and to cope with challenges. Mental health relates to positive emotional and spiritual well-being and respects the importance of culture, equity, social justice, personal interaction and human dignity.
As an illustration of the significance of mental health, by 2020 it is predicted that depression will rank second among the illnesses representing the heaviest economic burden in Canada.
One thing is certain: mental health depends on solid community and family support networks. Each and every one of us, and all those we represent, are responsible for the quality and viability of these networks.