Hon. Robert Black: On Wednesdays, the Canadian Senators Group directs questions to committee chairs. Therefore, my question today is for my honourable colleague Senator Omidvar, the Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.

Senator Omidvar, I and many Canadians are interested in your committee’s study on suicide prevention and how it might benefit rural areas and the first responders that continue to serve and protect our smaller communities. As we know, mental health challenges affect people of all ages, education, income levels and cultures. In any given year, one in five Canadians will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.

We also know that rural communities often have issues accessing many services, including the health sector. Witnesses have come forward in your committee study that continue to drive this narrative. In many cases, mental health-related services and supports in rural communities are less comprehensive, available and accessible than in urban areas.

What is your committee hearing from witnesses that will help address the difficulties rural first responders face in mental health resource access Canada-wide, and how will your committee continue to support rural first responders for the benefit of all Canadians? Thank you, meegwetch.