Mr. Speaker, for far too long mental health has hidden in the shadows of Canadian society. Stigma and ignorance have made it taboo. Yet 20% of Canadians will suffer from some form of mental illness during their lives.
The impact is particularly hard on young people. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people under 25, yet only one in five children who need mental health services actually receive it.
Every member in the House knows someone afflicted by mental illness. However, the system that is supposed to protect these patients is a patchwork at best.
That is why I was proud to table in this House a motion calling on Parliament to study this important issue and make recommendations to improve our mental health system.
I ask all hon. members to join me in supporting this motion in order to shine the light on an issue that has hidden in the shadows for far too long.