Commitment includes insured coverage for children and youth
A New Democrat government would expand mental health care and make it more accessible, including providing free mental health support for children and youth.
“Mental health care is health care, plain and simple. We need to treat it that way,” said NDP Leader Cam Broten. “My plan will make Saskatchewan a leader in mental health care. We’ll start with providing insured coverage for children and youth, because that’s a significant first step to putting mental health care on par with other health care services.”
The Children’s Health Policy Centre, based at Simon Fraser University, says that mental illnesses “are arguably the leading health problems that Canadian children and youth face” and that “the early years are the optimal time to address mental health problems and avert poor life course outcomes.”
Broten’s pledge will significantly move the ball forward when it comes to mental health care in Saskatchewan. It includes:
Broten said he was especially inspired to do better while spending time in La Loche following the tragic school shooting in January.
“Teachers told me that they watch their students struggle with mental health challenges,” he said. “And while they described children coping with rage and depression, teachers and parents told me the wait for a mental health assessment is far too long. And often, because of the lack of resources, when the appointment finally comes, the mental health worker has been called away to a crisis.
“Intervening earlier for children and youth gives those kids a fighting chance. And they deserve that chance – regardless of where they were born, or how much money their parents make.”
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REGINA—The Saskatchewan New Democrats set the rules and timing for a leadership contest at Provincial Council on February 26th. The new leader will be elected at a leadership convention in Regina in late June, 2022.
All Saskatchewan New Democratic Party members in good standing will be eligible to vote online or by mail-in ballot.
REGINA—Saskatchewan New Democrats unanimously approved a solidarity motion with the people of Ukraine, as well as all Saskatchewan people with friends and family in the region at Provincial Council on February 26, 2022.
Standing with New Democratic Party candidate Melissa Patterson in Moose Jaw Wakamow today, NDP Leader Ryan Meili called on voters in his hometown to reject Scott Moe’s plan for dangerous cuts during a pandemic.