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Mental Health and Addictions

During oral questions on mental health and addictions, the NDP’s Leah Gazan said the government’s spring economic update cut funding for addiction and mental health programs while noting that ten clients of one organization, Main Street Project, died from toxic drugs in a single weekend, and asked when the government would act on recommendations made five years ago. Liberal MP Maggie Chi replied that the government is using every tool to protect public health and safety, citing expanded addiction treatment, support for local prevention work, and cooperation with provinces and territories.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

2 statements

Leah Gazan

NDP
“The government is cutting money for mental health and addiction programs while more people are dying from toxic drugs. Five years ago, an expert group told the government how to help, but it has done nothing. I want to know when the government will finally act.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals’ spring economic update lines corporate pockets while cutting life-saving addiction and mental health program funding. In one weekend, 10 clients at Main Street Project died from toxic drugs. That is one organization, and deaths are rising. Five years ago, the government backed the Health Canada expert task force on substance use but has failed to act on its recommendations. How many people must die on the streets of Winnipeg before the government acts?

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Maggie Chi

Liberal

Linked statement

“We are working to protect Canadians from this health crisis. We have added more addiction treatment, supported local prevention work, and teamed up with the provinces and territories to help communities.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Clarity 42 of 100

    Much of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my colleague’s very important question. Of course, our hearts go out to families who are impacted by this very sad public health crisis. That is why our government believes we must use every tool possible in our tool box to protect the public health and public safety of Canadians. We have expanded treatment. We are supporting community-based prevention, and we are working with provinces and territories to make sure that we have the support that we need for each community. We will continue to stand with the communities that are impacted.

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