Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to #GetLoud during Mental Health Week in support of mental health and well-being for all Canadians.
Mental health is often considered secondary to physical health. This is wrong. Mental health is essential to our overall health.
Our government has stated the importance of access to mental health care. As a high school chaplain, I have witnessed how people's lives were devastated when mental health services were inadequate. As well, the need for mental health supports is acute among our seniors and indigenous peoples.
Caring for mental health contributes to strong communities. Hamilton's CHML radio has inspired dozens of organizations to shine the light on mental health by lighting up their workplaces in green this week. I applaud the ongoing and often heroic efforts of all mental health advocates in my hometown of Hamilton, Ontario.
I urge my colleagues from all parties to work together to provide access to the mental health resources and supports required for all Canadians to reach their full potential.