Speech for the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, The Mental Health Commission of Canada Mental Health Strategy

May 8, 2012
Ottawa, Ontario

Check Against Delivery

Good Morning; it's a pleasure to be here on such an important occasion.

As Minister of Health, I have had a great interest in the work of the Commission since it was created five years ago.

I would like to start by thanking our two special guests, Shana (Calixte) and Florence (Budden) for being with us today.  You are both courageous advocates and are helping to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.  Your example is inspirational to me, and to many, many others.

It's been great to see mental health issues receiving more attention in the last few years.  I hope that the National Mental Health Strategy being released today will further energize the national dialogue about the importance of mental health.

This Strategy is so valuable because it is based on the experiences of thousands of individuals from all walks of life and many groups and associations concerned with mental health.

The Commission has met with individuals whose lives have been touched by mental illness, as well as health professionals and many groups and associations who are committed to improving and promoting mental health.

Their work reminds us that mental health is important for every Canadian, whether as a parent, child, relative, neighbour or co-worker.  I applaud the Commission for making sure these perspectives are heard.

Today we have reached a milestone. We now have a comprehensive document that is a reflection of the dedication of those who brought it to life. I am proud to be part of a government which established the Mental Health Commission of Canada. 

Economic Action Plan 2012 contained a new commitment for mental health research.  This builds on significant investments we've made since 2006. 

Literally hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested to study important topics like mental health services and suicide prevention for children and youth.

I believe that these investments are worth every dime, because they help make a difference in the lives of not just the adults of my generation, but the next generation, who are dealing with mental health issues at an even younger age.

We are seeing a shift in attitudes throughout society. Through the work of the Commission, we are beginning to see children and parents discuss issues of mental health openly and without shame. 

We are beginning to see employers and employees discuss issues like depression and seek ways to better accommodate workers on the job.

Our Government is demonstrating leadership in confronting this issue head-on through its investments in mental health. 

For example, we know that homeless people who live with a mental illness are among those who are the most in vulnerable.  We know that they need improved services and supports. 

That is why today I am pleased to announce, on behalf of my colleague, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, a call for research proposals that will help prevent homelessness for those with mental health issues. 

This project will encourage research that will give a deeper understanding of how to prevent homelessness for those with mental illness. 

It will also build on the strategy launched today to help develop effective solutions to address their challenges. 

Whether through research, grants and contributions to enhance community involvement and capacity, or through direct support for First Nations, Métis and Inuit, we are determined to help Canadians better understand how mental health influences our daily lives.

I am also glad to see that Aboriginal mental health is one of the key strategic directions of the Commission's strategy.

Health Canada also supports the mental health and wellness needs of Aboriginal youth through programs like the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy.

Through this program, community-based and community led suicide prevention projects focus on bringing culture, youth leadership and life skills to First Nations and Inuit youth. 

These are the kinds of initiatives that support the work and the goals of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

We owe it to our most vulnerable citizens to keep working to change our systems to meet their needs. But, as the Mental Health Commission has been reminding us, we must work together.

This strategy is a call for all of us, across different levels of government, in the corporate world, and the volunteer sector, to find ways that each of us can make a difference.

No single person, group or government will succeed on its own. We must promote awareness among all Canadians and we must be sure that all issues of mental health are addressed at every level.

We must remove the stigma associated with mental illness and help foster good mental health.

I would like to congratulate the Commission for achieving this milestone and delivering Canada's first national mental health strategy. 

I'd especially like to thank Dr. David Goldbloom, the newly appointed Chair of the Mental Health Commission, and Senator Michael Kirby, his predecessor.  Thanks to you and your dedicated team, Canada has its first ever mental health strategy.

I would also like to take this moment to let you know I have invited Dr. Goldbloom to join me at the World Health Assembly later in May as part of the Canadian delegation. 

This year mental health will be a key item on the Agenda of the Assembly, and, Dr.Goldbloom, I'm glad you'll be a voice at the table as countries discuss the importance of developing strategies to address mental health and mental disorders.  Your experience will truly benefit the global community.

In addition to the Commission, I would also like to thank the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Canadian Suicide Prevention Network and the Brain Injury Association of Canada for contributing their expertise.

We also must acknowledge the generous contribution of the private sector and the provinces and territories.

The Mental Health Strategy will be an important source of information and guidance.

At the same time, it represents a challenge to all of us involved in mental health in Canada.

The Commission has reminded us that we all have a role to play in advancing mental health and there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach.

Advancing mental health in Canada is work that will require us - government at all levels, professionals, communities, workplaces and individuals - to work together.

Today, we can all take pride in the distances we have travelled in recent years and what has been accomplished.

Like everyone here, I look forward to taking on that work.

Thank you.