Carol Todd Petitions Government of Canada to Recognize October 10th. as World Mental Health Day.
June 18th, 2018:
Port Coquitlam native and national activist, Carol Todd, launches Petition e-1736 by calling on the Government of Canada to designate October 10th as World Mental Health Day in Canada. This petition seeks to highlight the effects of mental health on the well- being of Canadians.
In the wake of the suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, mental health issues are once again dominating the national conversation. Carol is calling on Canadians to support her petition to bring awareness to mental health and addiction problems, and implement an official World Mental Health Day.
In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experience mental health problems and by the time
Canadians reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 have – or have had – a mental illness. Vulnerable groups, such as youth and Indigenous communities experience an even higher rate of mental health issues.
Petition e-1736 is available at https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-1736, and is being sponsored by Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam -Port Coquitlam. E-petitions require 500 signatures within 120 days to be tabled in the House of Commons.
Carol draws inspiration for her petition from her late daughter, Amanda Todd, who committed suicide at the age of 15, after experiencing cyberbullying, depression and self
-harm. Since Amanda’s death, Carol has established the Amanda Todd Legacy, an organization that strives to promote awareness and provide mental health resources to all those struggling with emotional wellness. She also remains an active advocate for mitigating cyberbullying and abuse. For more information about Carol and the Amanda Todd Legacy, visit: http://www.amandatoddlegacy.org/.
QUOTES
“I’m proud to support Ms. Todd’s petition, which makes great strides for mental health
awareness – Canadians that struggle with emotional wellness and addiction need to know that they have our support. Together, we are stronger, more resilient and more capable of breaking through the stigma that surrounds mental health.” - Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam
"Our conversations surrounding mental health have changed in the last 5 years with more people breaking their silence about their own personal mental health challenges.
These include celebrities, sports figures, and the average person you see walking on the street. When we hear of another story of suicide, this should be an open opportunity to talk about our emotional health. It is important to know that asking for help is okay and that there are people around us who care and want to help. Awareness and education is necessary to bring together the conversations needed to lessen the fear about talking about mental health, addictions and suicide prevention. The stigma of speaking out is often seen as a sign of weakness, when in fact, it is a sign of strength. Together, we must encourage these discussions and raise the commitment for action. Through Amanda’s Legacy, it is hoped that one day our world will be filled with more understanding, respect, and compassion.” - Carol Todd, Amanda Todd Legacy Society
Associated Links
www.amandatoddlegacy.org and www.lightuppurple.com
www.RonMcKinnon.org
https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-1736
Your OACUSA Executive has agreed to support Ms. Todd's petition and requests our members to sign the online petition if they too support this initiative.
Thank you,
Rob Kilfoyle, CPP
Director, Public Safety and Emergency Management
Humber College
OACUSA Secretary