"We must do everything to break the stigma": MP Todd Doherty
Quesnel Cariboo ObserverFeb 01, 2019
On
"It follows our partners to the south of us in
For Doherty, establishing a National PTSD Awareness Day is an important step in reducing the stigma around PTSD and mental injuries and illnesses.
"We know education and awareness is the only way to hopefully break the stigma of PTSD and mental illness or mental injury," he said. "I use Paul and
Members of the military can often end up with PTSD. The brave men and women who serve our country and our citizens often endure life-altering events that leave them with deep emotional and psychological scars, noted Doherty.
"They serve with courage and distinction, but their service often means they are left to deal with haunting images, sounds and smells for a lifetime," he said.
Doherty tabled his new bill on
"Today, on Bell Let's Talk Day, parliamentarians will join Canadians across the country to increase awareness of mental health issues and offer our support to those who persevere every day and work to end the stigma around mental illness," Doherty said in a statement issued
Bill C-425 builds off of the Private Members
"Mental illness should not be a partisan issue," said Doherty. "I sincerely hope that all parliamentarians vote to unanimously to pass this bill. Conservatives will continue to stand up for those who have served
Now that Bill C-425 has been tabled, the hard work begins, says Doherty.
"Our hopes are now we will start the hard work of working with our friends across the way and all parties so we can get this bill swiftly based in the House and hopefully Canadians across this nation will be taking part in the first National PTSD Awareness Day this June," he said.
"We must do everything to break the stigma through conversation, building trust, ensuring those who are suffering silently have the confidence to come forward, that they believe they will be listened to and that we have the tools and resources to make them well."