Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones has been appointed to an all-party select mental health and addictions committee, a committee spearheaded by Progressive Conservative colleague Christine Elliott, MPP for Whitby-Oshawa.

The recommendation that a select committee should be established immediately to develop a comprehensive Ontario mental health and addictions strategy received unanimous support in the Legislature on December 4. This committee will conduct hearings and undertake research to get Ontario to the top of its class when it comes to a mental health and addictions strategy.

"This could not come at better time for residents of Dufferin-Caledon or Ontario," said Ms. Jones. "I hear from individuals and families who are unable to access services in our community, and I think this committee is an important step in getting Ontarians the services they need. Without community supports in place, people seek care at our hospital's emergency department or tragically end up in our judicial system."

The committee will focus on the mental health issues of children, the increase of suicide among young people, the mental health and addiction problems facing the homeless, the delivery of mental health programs across the province, access to mental health services among aboriginal communities, and the mental health needs of those in long-term care facilities.

"I am very happy the Progressive Conservative Party has led the charge for this select all-party committee," Ms. Jones said. "We have recognized the need for this comprehensive study of mental health services because the current system is failing so many in our province. People in our own community are struggling to find the resources they urgently need."

She would like to raise mental health issues on behalf of the residents of Dufferin-Caledon. If you have a concern you would like share, please contact her at sylviajonesqp@pc. ola.org or 1-800-265- 1603.