BC Supreme court grants injunction for prescription heroin users
Maternal health & access to safe abortion
Happy Canada Day
Libby challenges the Conservatives on their cuts to refugee health
Libby asks the Conservatives why they’re failing to take action on mental health in the workplace
Libby asks the Conservatives why they’re failing to take action on mental health in the workplace
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Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP): Mr. Speaker, last week frank
conversations were held across the country as part of mental health week, but
here in Ottawa the Conservative government is failing to do its part.
It has even refused to adopt the Mental Health Commission’s national standard. Anxiety, stress and depression are on the rise in the public service, and Conservative mismanagement and attacks are making things worse, not better.
As one of the nation’s largest employers, why is the government failing to take concrete action on mental health in the workplace?
Mr. Tony Clement (President of the Treasury Board): Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, we have been working with public sector leaders to tackle this issue.
Currently 49% of all sick leave is attributable to mental health issues. The main issue, though, is that we have a sick leave system that is 50 years out of date and does not allow us to have the tools necessary to tackle
these issues in a modern, effective manner. That is the type of thing I want to see changed, and that is why I put in the shop window for our negotiations with the unions the sick leave system
In memory of Bud Osborn
Honouring Bud Osborn
Honouring Bud Osborn
Mr. Speaker, Bud Osborn was an extraordinary leader and activist in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. His death has caused grief and sadness of a magnitude rarely seen.
Bud was a critical part of the struggle for the rights and dignity of drug users. He worked tirelessly for the opening of InSite. When times were dark and people felt hopeless, he gave us hope. When people felt that they had no voice, his poetry raised many voices and gave people courage. When people yearned for belonging and community, he led by example and united people in a common cause for human dignity and respect.
He worked with elected representatives, academics, journalists and more to stop the madness of the so-called war on drugs. He spoke the truth always and without equivocation. Bud’s greatest impact was his life’s work for and with those without voice. He showed people that they could speak out, be heard and change the course of history.
In the 100 block East Hastings Street tomorrow, the community will unite to grieve and to celebrate the life of Bud Osborn and what he gave us.