Mr. Speaker, one in five Canadians are affected by mental health problems. Many of them will not be able to access the care they need because of the long-standing stigma and negative stereotyping that make them afraid to seek the help they need.
The “Not Myself Today” campaign by Partners for Mental Health aims to transform and improve mental health in Canada by raising awareness, encouraging better treatment and providing funding for research, for support and for better workplace policies.
Each one of us in this House has a friend or family member with a mental illness. Some of us will also have a mental illness in our lifetime. It is time to speak up and let those with mental illness know that they are not alone.
Let us agree today to stand up for Canadians with mental illness as they face these insurmountable barriers.
I encourage all members of the House to visit notmyselftoday.ca and sign the pledge to improve mental health in Canada