Burrill: This Mental Health Week let’s work for a Mental Health Bill of Rights

HALIFAX- NDP Leader Gary Burrill made the following statement to mark Mental Health Week and the province’s flag-raising:

“There is a two-tiered system for mental health services in Nova Scotia -- one for people with private insurance or money in the bank, and another for the majority of people who rely on public health care.

Today, the province raised a flag to mark Mental Health Week. It’s a symbolic gesture that is meaningful and important.

Imagine how much more meaningful it would be if the province adopted the NDP’s Mental Health Bill of Rights and made a guarantee that care will be available when it is needed. A mental health issue should receive just as timely a response as any other immediate health concern.”

The NDP introduced a Mental Health Bill of Rights during the spring sitting of the legislature.

-30-