The MP for Cariboo-Prince George has won a national award for his advocacy for mental wellness.
MP Todd Doherty will be presented with a Champion of Mental Health Award for Parliamentarian this year from the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH).
This year the gala will be held during Mental Health Awareness Week that begins Oct. 3.
The celebration will be held virtually on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.
In the current parliament Doherty serves as the Special Advisor on Mental Health and Wellness in the Conservative Shadow Cabinet.
Doherty championed Bill C-211, an Act Respecting a Federal Framework on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Bill C-211 requires the Minister of Health to convene a conference with the Minister of National Defence, the Minister of Veterans Affairs, provincial and territorial government representatives, representatives of the medical community and patients’ groups for the purpose of developing a comprehensive federal framework to address the challenges of recognizing the symptoms and providing timely diagnosis and treatment of PTSD.
Last October Doherty brought forward a motion in Parliament to establish a National Suicide Prevention Hotline (9-8-8), that was unanimously passed by all members of parliament. Subsequently Doherty proceeded to introduce Bill C-294 in the House of Commons, to ensure the matter proceeded through parliament and became a reality.
Since then Doherty has received wide support from municipalities across the country for a 9-8-8 service and is currently working with the CRTC on the logistics of bringing the service to all regions of
Mental Health Awareness Week was established by the Canadian Psychiatric Association in 1992 and is now coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) in cooperation with all its member organizations and many other supporters across
“Mental Illness Awareness Week is one of the key campaigns we run to help educate all Canadians about mental illness and how it impacts our lives,” Ellen Cohen, CAMIMH co-chair, said. “Reducing stigma and encouraging open conversation is the first step in making sure that all Canadians realize that if they are struggling, especially right now, they are not alone.”
“Part of the importance of Mental Illness Awareness Week is the fact that we are celebrating our 2021 Champions of Mental Health this week, and recognizing the important work they’ve done to advance the mental health agenda in
This year’s theme for MIAW is Embrace, Celebrate and Connect.
For more information on Mental Illness Awareness Week 2021 and other resources visit www.camimh.ca.
