On behalf of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), Louise Bradley, President and CEO, made the following statement:
« Not only is Saint-Jean-Baptiste a national holiday for Quebec, it is also an opportunity to celebrate Canada’s Francophones—an important cornerstone of our nation. According the latest Canadian census, more than 7.7 million people in Canada, or 23 per cent of the population, claim French as the language they most often use at home.
The MHCC acknowledges the linguistic duality of our country is valuable and a source of mutual pride. The recognition of Canada’s two official languages is an expression of the respect and inclusivity that is integral to Canadian values.
That said, Francophone communities living in minority situations in Canada all too often face a very different reality than the majority, experiencing difficulties in accessing mental health services tailored to their language and culture. For the more than one million Francophones who live in minority communities, these difficulties in accessing health care in French can create stress and anxiety and harm their mental wellness. We know conversing in a second language can be challenging and seriously hamper people’s ability to communicate, especially about their physical and mental healthcare needs, presenting a significant barrier to obtaining the right care and possibly holding people back from seeking care.
The MHCC is seeking solutions to remedy this problem. E-mental health is one of these potential solutions and holds great promise as a means to increase the number of people in Canada who receive care in the language of their choice.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is an occasion to reaffirm the MHCC’s commitment to Francophone and Acadian communities in minority situations. Happy Saint-Jean to all.”
ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for change. We are collaborating with hundreds of partners to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support. Our goal is to help people who live with mental health problems and illnesses lead meaningful and productive lives. Together we create change. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada.
www.mentalhealthcommission.ca | strategy.mentalhealthcommission.ca
Media Contact:
Hélène Côté, Senior Communications Advisor, Public Affairs
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Office: 613.683.3952
Mobile: 613.857.0840
hcote@mentalhealthcommission.ca
