Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Mental Illness Awareness Week to recognize the faces of mental illness for 2012, five outstanding Canadians who are living proof that mental illness knows no boundaries and affects people everywhere in this country. This year's faces are people with lived experience of mental health problems who are helping raise awareness about mental illness and mental health through public discussion and openness about their experiences. Those experiences are proof that through proper diagnosis, treatment and awareness people with mental illnesses live productive and fulfilling lives.
On behalf of all members of the House, I congratulate this year's faces of mental illness. Through their work, we will help end the stigma associated with mental illness and increase access to mental health services in Canada.