After shutting down the house early in March, MHAs returned to the House of Assembly this week. Ari, Jill, and I returned on Monday morning, but for us there had been zero break as we’re on week 176 reminding government there needs to be better access to long term mental healthcare.
We were greeted with a blocked off parking lot. Apparently they didn’t believe the fisher protest was truly off because we couldn’t park in our usual spot and had to walk through three groups of cops to get to our spot by the wall. I couldn’t help but feel a boiling in my blood as I considered the resources used on Monday morning that could have been directed towards mental healthcare.
ANYWAY— since all the MHAs were back and rockin away in the HoA for the theatrical question periods—what did they have to say about mental health? It was brought up in a petition brought forward by Paul Dinn as well as several questions that shed light of issues impacting so many. Of course, how much can the government really answer within a two minute time frame? I hear this a lot. It was given to me as an excuse when I critiqued an answer given. How not much can be answered within a few minutes.
How are we supposed to hold them accountable? How are we supposed to get full answers when the House of Assembly is closed the majority of the time? I find myself shouting back at the audio as I work at my desk.
However, I want there to be a record, other than buried in the Hansard or a live stream. Below are direct links to the moments mental healthcare is brought up even if in a roundabout way. I’m obviously not a journalist, barely even a blogger, but this is a way for me to keep track and also easily point others when they ask me what’s been said.
I wrestled about whether or not to include all questions about housing. I didn’t, but I want to be VERY, VERY clear that access to mental healthcare will not be solved until there is secure housing available for everyone. I’m not an expert on the subject but I do believe housing is the foundation to mental wellness. But mental wellness vs illness is where I made the distinction in what to highlight. However, I would strongly suggest listening to the recent Indy Podcast series about housing, as well as everything they’ve written on the subject.
This is my first time trying this. I’ll try to be wittier and more detailed moving forward— but forgive me with this clumsy attempt to document what the government is actually saying as I also deal with personal and work things that require most of my attention right now.
Without further ado— what was said about mental healthcare in question period and petition time this week?
Monday, April 15th
Paul Dinn brought forward a petition that we collected signatures for over a year ago. (THANK YOU to everyone who signed. You’re the reason he can still bring this forward!) I’m immensely grateful that even after he was switched out of shadow minister of health that he continues to talk about this. Paul has always made time to talk to me about mental healthcare and it was a big deal to know he hasn’t given up even though he’s been asked to focus on education.
Tuesday April 16th
Jim Dinn asked in question period if the Minister of Education was aware of a letter sent by NLHS to school administrators in Central Newfoundland about deferring requests for consultations for students regarding ADHD etc. Kudos to Jim for pressing this issue and using more than one question. Also want to thank him for the times he’s met with me.
Wednesday, April 17th
Lela brought forward a heartbreaking question and highlighted an issue that I’ve also seen talked about here in Town. What will be done for those who need to access mental healthcare for their pychosis? Tom Osborne’s answer was lacking at best and infuriating and discouraging at worst.
Thursday, April 18th
Jody Wall asked how many people are staying at the former Comfort Inn. I know I said I wouldn’t include the housing questions— but Fred Hutton specifically mentioned that people who will be staying there will received help for mental health and addictions.
And that’s a wrap on question period and petitions this week!
I did see that there a social services committee meeting happened. I haven’t had a chance to listen to it — but I will share the link as I plan to listen as I noted it began with talking about drug treatment.