A Statement by the Green Party Leader on World Mental Health Day
Fredericton –David Coon, MLA for Fredericton South and Leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick issued the following statement in recognition of World Mental Health Day on Monday, October 10.
“Mental health resources in New Brunswick continue to be funded at less than 5% of our provincial health budget. The national average is 7%. It is no surprise that our mental health system is failing so many New Bruswickers.
The situation is especially problematic for youth. Studies conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health have shown that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder. Only 1 in 5 of these youth gain access to the care and treatment they need. We need to do better.
The expansion of the child and youth teams that provide integrated support and resources for youth at our public schools is a positive development. We must place the same value on providing mental health services as we do on treating illness and disease for people of all ages.”
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