On World Mental Health Day, New Democrats call for improved access

HALIFAX – On World Mental Health Day, New Democrats are renewing their call for a Mental Health Bill of Rights to ensure patients can access the services and support they need when they need them.

“Today we think about the many Nova Scotians struggling to access mental health care, and reaffirm our commitment to removing the barriers they face while trying to address these challenges,” said NSNDP Leader Claudia Chender. “The Houston government ran on a promise to fix health care. Mental health care is health care, and we need urgent action on this issue.”

Almost a quarter of Nova Scotians reported having only fair or poor mental health in the third quarter of 2023, the highest rate of all provinces, according to Statistics Canada.

A 2021 election promise from the Houston government to implement universal mental health care has yet to materialize.

“Too many Nova Scotians are going without the care they need because accessing mental health care remains a challenge,” said NSNDP Mental Health and Addictions Spokesperson Lisa Lachance. “We need a Mental Health Bill of Rights, increased funding for mental health care, and overall better access for Nova Scotians.”

New Democrats introduced legislation to create a Mental Health Bill of Rights in 2021.

The NSNDP has also been calling for the creation of mental health crisis teams for years. These teams would respond to police calls for support and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

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