NDP’s Gord Johns « Canada’s NDP
NDP MP Gord Johns tables bill to bring mental healthcare into public system
OTTAWA – On Thursday, MP Gord Johns (Courtenay-Alberni) re-introduced a bill that aims to include community-based mental health, addictions, and substance use services in Canada’s universal, public health care system.
MP Johns previously introduced the bill in October 2024 on World Mental Health Day and took the first opportunity to retable it. The Mental Health Parity Act, Bill C-201, is the first Private Member’s Bill to be introduced in the House of Commons in the 45th Parliament.
“Mental health matters and Canadians should not go without the care they need because of out-of-pocket costs,” said Johns. “Our public healthcare system has treated mental and physical health different for too long. It’s time to change that so Canadians who are struggling can get well. Untreated mental illness has enormous costs for families, communities, and our economy.”
Donald Trump’s unjustified trade war and threats to our sovereignty has only added to the challenges and anxieties Canadians are facing. With many people at risk of losing their livelihood and extended health insurance, it’s clear financial barriers to mental health services need to be broken down. Johns’ bill is the first step towards making mental healthcare accessible with a health card, not a credit card.
Interim NDP Leader MP Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway), who seconded the bill, has made expanding and strengthening public health care, including mental health services, a key priority for his leadership.