The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, speaks at World Bank Group event on making mental health a global health priority

OTTAWA, April 19, 2018 /CNW/ - There are few Canadians left untouched, either directly or indirectly, by mental illness, the challenges of which are shared by developing and developed countries alike. Global momentum to improve mental health is increasing, and Canada is determined to play its part.

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, was in Washington, D.C., today to deliver opening remarks at a panel discussion on mental health as a global issue. Entitled "Moving the needle: Mental health stories from around the world," it was hosted by the World Bank Group at the Embassy of Canada, on the margins of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Spring Meetings.

The event brought together senior officials and global experts in mental health, global health, finance and development from around the world. With the goal of moving mental health issues to the centre of global health and sustainable development agendas, the participants shared research, discussed experiences and made the case for investments in mental health.

While in Washington, Minister Petitpas Taylor also met with Eric Hargan, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, to discuss shared concerns such as health security and the opioid crisis.

Quote

"I want to thank the World Bank Group for convening such a distinguished panel to discuss this important issue, as well as Deputy Secretary Hargan for the meeting we had. Almost no one in society is left untouched by mental illness and our government has resolved to act, by shining a light on stigma and uniting people – inside and outside of government – in the quest for positive mental health. Canada is determined to build on the current momentum to make mental wellness a global priority."

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health

SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada

Thierry Bélair, Office of Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200; Media Relations, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, 613-957-2983