Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty's campaign for a national strategy to help those suffering from post-traumatic syndrome was recognized by the Ontario Psychological Association on Thursday.
The OPA presented him with its 2017 public service award, which recognizes the work done by public officials to help people who suffer from behavioural and developmental problems.
"You are truly a political superstar whose innate sense of caring for others shines through in all that you do," OPA chief executive officer Janet Kasperski said in a letter to Doherty.
Doherty said he was honoured and humbled in receiving the award.
"Although, I struggle with accepting an award when we have so many that are still suffering in silence, so many that feel that taking their own life is the only way out of the pain," he said in a statement.
"I will continue to use whatever platform is afforded to me to ensure those who are suffering know it is okay to say, "I am not well", it is okay to ask for help and that the help they seek will be there in their time of need."
Doherty's private members bill on the issue currently sits at second reading in the Senate.
