Mr. Speaker, today marks my 3,000th day serving as the member of Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga.
I can no longer count the number of times I have risen in this House to speak to issues regarding mental health, mental illness, and suicide prevention. In Canada, we suffer about 4,000 deaths by suicide each year. About 90% of those victims suffered from a diagnosable mental illness.
Today, members of the Canadian Psychiatric Association are on the Hill, raising awareness of the policies, programs, and investments to prevent and treat mental illness. The CPA asked our government to continue to strengthen the mental health services we deliver, and it expressed its willingness to partner in this effort. At the CPA's breakfast this morning, I heard the stories of Matt and Rachel, two ordinary Canadians, and how they are successfully managing their illness and leading productive lives.
To break the stigma surrounding mental illness, we need to talk about it.
Congratulations to Matt and Rachel for their courage, and our thanks go to the CPA for ensuring that their story is heard.