Ottawa, ON — Todd Doherty, Conservative Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, released the following statement to mark Canadian Mental Health Week:

“Today marks the beginning of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s annual Canadian Mental Health Week. This year’s theme is ‘My Story,’ with the goal of shifting beliefs and perceptions about mental health while promoting behaviours and attitudes that promote good mental health and well-being.

“Canadians are facing a mental health crisis. The statistics are alarming. Nearly 200 people attempt suicide daily – twelve of them will die. One in four Canadians is experiencing anxiety, and 56 percent of the people who are struggling are not receiving the care they need and deserve.

“Conservatives have taken action and continue to fight for the mental health of Canadians. In 2020, Conservatives successfully passed a motion to create a national three-digit suicide prevention hotline. The 9-8-8 hotline will be launched in November 2023. This will allow anyone in distress to quickly and easily connect with a crisis responder to get help without judgement and save the lives of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

“Despite the significant progress we have made in starting conversations about mental health in recent years, there is still so much work to be done.

“Reach out to your neighbours. Talk to your friends. Speak with your colleagues and ensure everyone is okay. Too often, those struggling with mental illness struggle alone. That phone call or check-in conversation can mean so much.

“By beginning to have difficult conversations about mental health, we can save lives. Together, we can break the stigma and continue to prioritize our mental health all year long.”