Will Bouma
Will Bouma

Post-traumatic Stress Awareness Day is one step closer to becoming law

Post-traumatic Stress Awareness Day is one step closer to becoming law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 2, 2018

QUEEN’S PARK – Members of the Ontario Legislature gave unanimous support to Brantford-Brant MPP Will Bouma’s Private Member’s Bill PTSD Awareness Day Act after Second Reading debate today. The act would proclaim June 27th in Ontario as PTSD Awareness Day annually and help deal with the stigma attached to PTSD.

“In fact, Ontario has one of the highest rates of PTSD sufferers in the world. It’s been estimated that one in ten of our fellow Ontarians have been affected by it. And, just to emphasize a point I made before, we’re not just talking about veterans and first responders. We’re talking about people all around us who we meet every day. They may have been victims of violence in their own home or on the street. They may have seen a tragedy unfold or lived through a life-changing experience. Surviving a near-fatal illness can trigger PTSD.” Bouma said during Second Reading debate.

The proposed legislation garnered letters of support from many organizations and professional associations including the City of Brantford Mayor Chris Friel, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences President and CEO Karim Mamdani, Canadian Mental Health Association’s Lill Petrella, Six Nations Health Services Director Lori Davis Hill and OPP Inspector – Detachment Commander Jim Millson.

“I know that marking a special day on the calendar isn’t enough. There is more to do. But I hope it will be seen as a step in the right direction as we bring PTSD out of the darkness and provide some light to those who suffer from it.” the MPP concluded.

After receiving support from all three parties, the bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Legislative Assembly for review.

-30-

Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=balUp5Bsxug

For more information, contact MPP Will Bouma at 519-759-0361 or will.bouma@pc.ola.org