MP SEAN FRASER RECEIVES CHAMPION OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARD
We all know people that are impacted by mental health. Our neighbours, family members, or co-workers can be struggling with difficulties that are often invisible to most of us.
As a Member of Parliament, I have a unique platform to champion causes that improve mental health services in my community and across Canada, and that’s what I’ll continue to do.
It’s important that policy makers understand that mental health is so much more than the treatment of an illness. By focusing on reducing poverty, investing in housing, enhancing social inclusion, and other social determinants of health, we can help build healthier communities and a healthier Canada.
One of my proudest moments as a Member of Parliament was when the federal government reached an agreement with the Province of Nova Scotia signed an agreement to boost funding for Nova Scotia’s mental health care system by more than $130 million and in-home care for seniors by over $157 million. These two areas are of critical importance because the cost of making these investments is dramatically smaller than the cost of ignoring care in these areas.
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When a person living with mental illness goes without appropriate care, the social and economic consequences to both the individual and our communities are enormous. People that are managing mental illness more often require serious care in hospitals, and are at increased risk of running into problems with law enforcement, developing addictions as a coping mechanism, and becoming unemployed. Moreover, as I’ve heard through my role and through my office, the family members of those living with mental illness are often required to take time away from work and experience emotional trauma that can also require care. Other initiatives like establishing a National Suicide Prevention Crisis Line to ensure Canadians are able to access crisis support across the country is a big step forward and one I am proud our government has implemented.
I’ve also been a regular speaker at the annual Helping the Helpers event in Antigonish. This event focuses on the mental health of first responders, and is deeply important.
Mental Health can have an impact on us all, but especially for first responders and veterans who work in high-stress environments on a daily basis. I’ve made mental health support for veterans and first responders a key priority and I am so pleased to see progress being made. We have developed a National Strategy to combat PTSD and Operational Stress Injuries amongst veterans and first responders, backed by over $50 Million in support for research and treatment. This is one accomplishment I am extremely proud to see take place.
But the work is far from finished.
We have to do more to support mental health for everyone—vets and first responders included. On an individual level, this means showing empathy and compassion, and not being afraid to talk about our own mental health or listening to others. From the perspective of the government, we must ensure that resources are available to establish support systems, research, and raising awareness.
Being chosen as a national Champion of Mental Health by the Canadian Association for Mental Illness and Mental Health was a deeply humbling experience. But those who work in mental health day in and day out, advocating for better supports, are the real champions in my mind. Those on the front lines who provide care do so because they believe it is not only necessary, but also the right thing to do. As an elected official, I have a unique platform and a great responsibility to advocate for mental health, and that’s what I will continue to do.
Government invests billions in Mental Health and focuses on First Responders Support
Each year the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health runs a national campaign that recognizes Canadians who have made an outstanding contribution to the field of Mental health.
In 2019 the Alliance chose MP Sean Fraser as their award recipient for his advocacy in support of the mental health of veterans and first responders with PTSD or Operational Stress Injuries.
Our government has made significant strides in addressing and supporting mental health, especially for our veterans and first responders. Whether it is the 500,000 young people who now have mental health support as part of our $5 billion dollar investment in health care, $19 million over five years to enhance local community supports for youth, or developing the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, real progress is being made.
Here at home, Sean has worked closely with first responders to help identify the specific supports that they require. It is critical that we help those who help us.