Health and Community Services
May 1, 2017
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services:
Minister Encourages Reflection on Mental Health Week
Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize today as the start of Mental Health Week in Newfoundland and Labrador, and across Canada.
Following last year’s successful Get Loud campaign, the theme this year is Get Ready to Get Loud. Confederation Building will be lit green this week in recognition of Mental Health Week.
Each of us has a part to play in ending the stigma around mental health. I encourage everyone – individuals, families, schools, advocacy groups and communities - to stand up, speak out and talk openly about mental health.
Mental Health Week is a time to raise awareness about the challenges of mental health and for people to reflect on their own self-care. One of our many partners, the Canadian Mental Health Association, highlights that positive mental health involves how we feel, think, act and interact with the world around us. Positive mental health is about coping with stress and making a contribution to our community.
Mr. Speaker, Budget 2017 recognizes the need for improved services in the area of mental health including:
- An extra $73 million over 10 years through the Canadian Health Accord;
- An investment of $7.5 million to advance the replacement of the Waterford Hospital; and
- An initial $5 million to begin immediate implementation of the All-Party Committee report recommendations.
On the first day of Mental Health Week, I am pleased to inform the Honourable House that our government is on track to release its mental health and addictions action plan in June.
In closing, I want to thank the many groups, organizations, and individuals throughout the province who continue to advocate on mental health issues.
I ask my Honourable colleagues to join me and Get Loud for mental health.
Thank you.
2017 05 01 2:10 p.m.