I also rise today on behalf of the Liberal caucus to pay tribute to Mental Health Week. As mentioned, this year the Canadian Mental Health Association is calling on us to GET LOUD about mental health, to raise our voices to raise awareness, to show support and to reduce the stigma.

It is suspected that one in five Canadians will experience some form of mental health in their lifetimes. We as individuals must create an environment where we can feel welcome and supported. Mental health issues are affecting all Canadians, regardless of affluence, age or gender. There is so much work to be done to end the stigma, but Yukoners are starting to talk about mental health more and more. Increasingly, it is at the forefront of their top concerns, but what they want is action taken to provide support for mental health services.

In the House last week, we debated a motion calling on the Yukon government to implement a mental health strategy and it received unanimous support in this House. It was a great step forward but the strategy still needs to be developed and implemented. We have done the studies here in the Yukon on the services and the needs. We have an amazing group of health care providers and associations. Now is the time for a comprehensive plan, and now is the time for action.

Today, as we recognize Mental Health Week, we renew our support for those who live with mental health issues and we want to thank those who work in the field for their very hard work and dedication as they commit to try to improve the lives of everyone in the territory.