Mr. Speaker, the incidence of mental health problems in Canada's agriculture sector is reaching crisis proportions. Farmers, ranchers, producers and their families are increasingly experiencing high levels of stress, depression and even suicidal thoughts.
In May 2019, my Conservative colleagues and I from the Standing Committee on Agriculture issued a supplementary report on this issue called “Mental Health: A Priority for Our Farmers”. Stakeholders said that all levels of government need to act quickly, and many organizations, primarily spearheaded by female farm entrepreneurs, have been working hard ever since.
I am also proud of the Chicken Farmers of Canada, which has just completed its two-month mental illness awareness campaign. Although its campaign ends this Friday, this issue needs to remain top of mind for all of us. We must continue to generate even more public awareness and thoughtful discussion.
Together, we can all work to tackle the tragic rise of mental health illness within Canada's vital agriculture sector.