Statement from Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown on Bell Let’s Talk Day

QUEEN’S PARK – Today, Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown issued the following statement on Bell Let’s Talk Day, an awareness campaign about mental health issues:
“Bell Let’s Talk Day is a great initiative to help raise awareness about mental health issues, and I strongly encourage all Ontarians to participate today to end the stigma.

Mental health issues are equally as important as physical health issues, but are often not treated as such. We need to end the stigma which surrounds mental illness, and let everyone know that there are people available to talk if need be. Nobody should suffer in silence. Awareness raising campaigns, like Bell Let’s Talk, help foster the conversation which help people feel comfortable reaching out for help, and it also serves as a great opportunity to raise funds for support systems.
I have made mental health issues a priority through my time in public service, and today I am renewing my calls for the government to pass NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo’s Private Member’s Bill regarding PTSD in first-responders. This is a very important bill which offers much needed supports for a mental health issue prevalent among our province’s first-responders. The Private Member’s Bill has support from both the PC and NDP caucus, and is only waiting on government action.”