Health committee  Just briefly, yes, the literature certainly supports experienced support in collaborative care, shared care, involving mental health care providers in family health clinics. Part of the challenge is that many people don't have access to that, but when they do, it can work effecti

Health committee  I do under some circumstances, definitely. I agree that some people should not be on the medications they're provided and that we do need good alternatives—and we have them.

Health committee  I'm afraid I don't know off the top of my head. What I will say, though, based on a retrospective study done by a colleague in Sweden, is that among older adults who died by suicide, approximately half were receiving some form of mental health care and many of those were receivin

Health committee  Is that question—

Health committee  Okay, thank you. First I'll say, in talking about seniors, I certainly didn't mean you in particular, so no. In terms of issues of shame, solitude, etc., I think it comes back to the issue that we as a society, unfortunately, we do not treat older people well. Many times older

Health committee  Thank you very much. I won't be able to answer all of the points you've raised, but I think in many ways you're echoing the comment that my colleagues and I have raised already, which is that, unfortunately as it currently stands, Canadians often don't have access to psychologi

Health committee  That's certainly a thought. I certainly agree that it's important to have a high level of understanding and training and experience, including supervised experience, in providing mental health care. Part of the challenge, as I think I've noted, is that there just aren't enough pr

Health committee  Yes, I can, thank you.

Health committee  Thank you very much. Honourable chairman, vice-chairs, and members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, I'm very pleased to join you this afternoon to discuss mental health care and suicide prevention in Canada. I commend you for seeking input on these issues of