OTTAWA – This week, to mark World Mental Health Day, MP Gord Johns (Courtenay-Alberni) introduced a motion calling for the federal government to develop a national strategy to address the immediate and lasting mental health impacts of public emergencies.

In recent years, western Canada has seen record-breaking wildfires while Canadians across the country have faced unpredictable weather events, acts of mass violence, and the lasting impacts of the pandemic. The theme of World Mental Health Day 2025 is “mental health in humanitarian emergencies”, in recognition of the impact crises can have on mental wellbeing.

“Protecting Canadians in emergencies means more than getting them to safety,” said Johns, the NDP Critic for Mental Health and Emergency Preparedness. “It can take years for people to recover from natural disasters or mass casualty events. Survivors may face post-traumatic stress, grief, and the worsening of pre-existing mental health challenges.”

The Liberal government has promised to protect Canadian sovereignty by improving resilience in our communities. “Making Canada more secure means giving Canadians the tools they need to face difficult times,” said Johns. “We need to treat mental health as an essential element of our disaster management.”

“The federal government needs to listen to those on the frontlines of emergencies to understand how we can protect the mental health of our communities. That includes engaging with municipalities, Indigenous peoples, and first responders and ensuring they have the resources they need before, during, and after emergencies.”