Colin Carrie

[Health, October 6th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, today the hon. Minister of Health announced a new approach for energy drinks, which will include maximum limits for caffeine content. The proposed maximum caffeine levels for energy drinks is part of a new way to manage these popular beverages. Parents need to have access to as much information as possible so they are able to make good decisions when it comes to what their family eats and drinks.

The popularity of energy drinks has resulted in higher levels of caffeine consumption among young people than in the past. This has caused concerned among some parents, health care providers and public health officials about potential health risks to teens and children. These new measures will not only allow Canadians to make informed decisions, they will also reduce the chances of over consumption of caffeine and other ingredients, such as vitamins.

Today's proposed changes will be especially helpful to parents of teenagers who regularly consume energy drinks.

I applaud the Minister of Health for taking this initiative. This is yet another example of how our government is committed to taking action to support Canadian families.

[Business of Supply, October 4th, 2011]

Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from Lac-Saint-Louis for his comments. He mentioned the Jack Project, which is an innovative approach to mental health, especially for our youth.

Given there has been significant investment by the federal government in risk factor reduction, such as the national drug strategy and the anti-stigma initiative of the Mental Health Commission, I was wondering if the member could clarify further the types of programs that are a priority for his national strategy. What does he see the federal government's role to be in his home province of Quebec?

[Business of Supply, October 4th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt thanks to my colleague from Kitchener—Conestoga not only for all the work he has done on this issue but also for Bill C-300 which he brought forward.

He opened his speech by saying that we must end the silence. We have had that opportunity today in the House. I commend all members who have contributed to this debate and discussion because it is something that affects all Canadians.

My question for my colleague regards the link between mental health and suicide. He is aware that the World Health Organization estimates that: 90% of all suicide victims have some kind of mental health condition, often depression or substance abuse; suicide is the most common cause of death for people with schizophrenia; both major depression and bipolar disorders account for 15% to 25% of all deaths by suicide in patients with severe mood disorders.

Would the member explain how important it is for the government to continue funding research through the Mental Health Commission of Canada?

He mentioned best practices. Does the member have any ideas as to how we could better work with the municipalities, communities and different service groups in order to bring these best practices together?

[Business of Supply, October 4th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour of sitting on the health committee with the hon. member for Chilliwack—Fraser Canyon. I appreciate all the support he shows for health issues for Canadians, especially the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Given that the federal government has already made huge investments, particularly with the first nations and Inuit mental health and addiction programs, from mental health promotion to addictions prevention, crisis counselling, treatment and after care services, I am wondering if my colleague could respond as to why the government should continue targeting aboriginal people, particularly aboriginal youth.

[Business of Supply, October 4th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, I listened intently to the member's very heartfelt speech.

The member mentioned a mental health strategy for Canada. I know she is supportive of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, which is working on the development of a mental health strategy. Consultations are currently under way. The commission expects to release the strategy in 2012. There will be elements of suicide prevention in it.

When we start working together with all the different levels of government and community organizations, it is very important for all of us to be on the same page. We are looking for leadership and local solutions.

Could the member tell us, in her opinion, how can municipalities and communities get together to share their successes to help address this horrible tragedy of suicide?

[Business of Supply, October 4th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, my colleague talked about youth suicide in aboriginal communities and that is something very close to my heart and the minister's heart. I want her to know that the government shares her concerns.

For example, the national aboriginal youth suicide prevention strategy provides first nations in Inuit communities with access to services which address specific risk factors and protective factors. In other words, they get access to crisis intervention and post-intervention services. Overall, the strategy promotes culturally safe activities. Through this strategy we are partnering with different communities to ensure that we are working with them in ways that they find effective.

Would my colleague clarify what additional action she feels would be required in addition to all that is currently being done by the federal government and the communities?

[Business of Supply, October 4th, 2011]

Madam Speaker, my colleague points out one of the challenges, particularly coming from the north. There is a higher rate of suicide and, as she knows, the minister is actually from the north and is acutely aware of the difficulty, particularly with the different communities trying to manage this horrible situation.

However, I am proud to say that our government recognizes the high rates of suicide, particularly in aboriginal young people. In budget 2010 we invested $75 million to extend the national aboriginal youth suicide prevention strategy to 2015, which is a $10 million increase over previous investments. We provided nearly $15 million in the last year to the Government of Nunavut.

As I said before, we really have to look at the partnership with the provinces and territories, and the grassroots organizations. We also included $4 million for the national aboriginal youth suicide prevention strategy because we are committed and we are committed to doing more.

[Business of Supply, October 4th, 2011]

Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from Kitchener—Conestoga for all of his good work. He did mention his private member's bill that was proposed last week. He is truly a leader in this important field.

My colleague brought up something that many of us forget. The tragedy of suicide is not only the loss of a life but its affect on family, friends and loved ones left behind. Our government is ensuring that we work in partnership with community organizations. Each community is different in how it can handle and manage the different services that are required. It is an extremely important service to have available to not only console family members and friends but to help them and co-workers left behind deal with such a tragic loss. I thank him for bringing that forward.

[Business of Supply, October 4th, 2011]

As I said in my speech, Madam Speaker, the government is funding different programs and one of them is training professional front line workers to recognize the problems with mental illness, which includes suicide.

Over 90% of the people who commit suicide have mental illness issues. I cannot remember the exact statistics, but thousands of Canadians are now being trained at the grassroots level to recognize the signs and symptoms. The average everyday Canadian is not going to be trained to volunteer as a therapist, but it is important that they be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of their colleagues, their friends, and family who are having a hard time or having issues, so that they can be provided with and directed to the proper treatment.

Working with our partners, whether it is through the provinces and territories or whether it is through the grassroots organizations, we will really be able to make a difference. All of us here in the House are willing to do more. It is an important commitment to address.

[Business of Supply, October 4th, 2011]

Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for bringing back the memory of one of our colleagues, Dave Batters, who unfortunately died from suicide a few years back. He was a friend of mine and a friend of all colleagues here in the House. That emphasizes the fact that suicide affects all of us.

As my colleague said, it is important that we as legislators put resources toward this important issue. Today in this debate we are building awareness of this important topic. All of us sitting in the House today are committed to bringing this issue to the forefront.

As I mentioned earlier, I am most proud of the Mental Health Commission. It will be bringing forth a strategy for mental illness in 2012, which will likely address suicide prevention and the things that my colleagues are bringing forward today. All of us are looking forward to that. I am also looking forward to a very good debate today.