Please join me in celebrating this year’s Mental Health Week. The Get Loud theme encourages a national dialogue about giving your mental health the attention it needs so you can maintain overall good health. At the same time, it calls on all sectors of society to recognize the importance of creating caring and safe places where Canadians live, work and play.
As Minister of Health, I am committed to supporting the mental health of Canadians - starting with our children. That is why the Government of Canada supports research and programming to promote the mental health of vulnerable children, youth and their families including First Nations living on - and off - reserve, Inuit and Métis. These programs focus on strengthening mental health and supporting overall wellbeing.
We have also invested $130 million to establish and support the Mental Health Commission of Canada which has changed the way we talk about mental health and has energized a national dialogue around the importance of good mental health. Budget 2015 provides renewed investments in the Mental Health Commission to ensure they will continue to harness Canada’s knowledge and expertise to promote mental health, and suicide prevention efforts in Canada as well as enhancing mental-wellness supports in First Nations communities for years to come.
As Minister of Health, I want to thank every sector of society for supporting Canadians and doing their part to promote mental health. In particular, I would like to thank the Canadian Mental Health Association for their leadership in spearheading awareness during this week. It is my sincere hope that the Get Loud theme inspires people from all walks of life to talk openly about mental health, and when necessary, to seek help.
We all deserve to live well and feel supported by our community, colleagues, friends and family. Take time to mark Mental Health Week by learning what you can do to protect your mental health. Canadians can also participate in this national dialogue by spreading the word that caring for your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health.
Learn about your mental health, how to improve it and the resulting benefits.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health Canada
