QUEBEC, January 21, 2018. –While so many are voicing the need for widespread discussions on mental health, François Legault’s government is sending the population the wrong message by relegating the Mental Health Directorate to an inferior status within the ministry; a mere file among others within the Directorate of Social Services. The result is reduced influence and autonomy for those working on this vital issue.
The previous government recognized the importance of mental health. It created a full-fledged General Directorate within the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) in 2018 and gave its director the same rank as the assistant and associate deputy ministers within the other directorates.
Recall that the members of the Health and Social Services Commission will soon have to render a decision regarding the initiative mandate proposal made by Hélène David in a spirit of non-partisanship last December which would entrust the Commission with examining access to mental health services, including through holding consultations to hear expert opinions on the matter.
Danielle McCann and François Legault are sending a terrible message and showing a great lack of sensitivity to one this century’s newest problems. I ask them to renege on this decision and implement a full-fledged Directorate General of Mental Health.
– Hélène David, MNA for Marguerite-Bourgeoys and Opposition Critic for Social Services
