The Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

One of my constituents—I’ll call her Elle—is 15 and suffers from an eating disorder. Like many in Ontario, she doesn’t have a family doctor, but she has been referred to the eating disorder clinic at CHEO.

However, the clinic is overwhelmed and unable to find her a spot. She doesn’t eat for days, but she’s not sick enough to be admitted to an overcrowded hospital. Her father worries she needs to be dying before anyone will help her.

Elle and her parents are desperate for help. Will this government finally act to ensure that mental and physical health care is available for children like Elle when they need it?

Studies from leading health experts reveal that mental health issues can start early in our young learners, particularly from the age of 15 onward. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, these students are more likely to experience mental health illness and substance-use disorders than any other group.

We know that mental health education can empower students with the knowledge, skills and tools they need to assist in navigating their own mental health, often saving lives.

Speaker, through you to the Minister of Education: How will our government commit to supporting mental health education in schools?

The Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.