Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I speak about addictions and mental health. I was going to start by citing statistics. However, we need to hear real-life situations if we want to really understand the issues and develop workable and respectful solutions.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk about Jane, a fictional name of a young Aboriginal lady who was raised in a loving and caring family. At the young age of 16, she lost her way and began to hang around with others who found themselves in a similar situation. Drugs and alcohol appeared to be the solution to dull the pain of not fitting in to societal norms or the constant pressure from family to do well in school. Although she was strong academically, Jane never completed high school but went on to work for minimum wage in the retail sector. Jane did settle down some in her early 20's, had children with a man she soon left due to an abusive and toxic relationship. She again turned to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain. This time she could not break the cycle of addiction. It was fortunate that her family stood by her and took custody of the children. Jane does see her children from time to time, but continues in another abusive relationship. If nothing is done to change it, she will be found dead at the hands of the person she is with.
Mr. Speaker, another person, I will call him Richard, recently finished high school. During his time in high school, he was bullied, turned to drugs, and became somewhat of a loner. Richard lives in a single-parent home where his addiction became drugs and gaming. He basically locks himself in his room and only associates with those who are also lost in a system that is not meant to inspire those who are not adhering to societal norms. Richard and his friends, some of whom are aging out of foster care, will most likely find themselves in the street, homeless, without support, and potentially end up as a statistic. Richard's parent is concerned that there are a number of at-risk-youth who are living in situations that provide them only one path, and that path is addictions, living with unchecked mental health issues and homelessness.
Mr. Speaker, Jane and Richard are only two of the many youth between the ages of 18 and 25 in similar situations. They and many others need this government's immediate support before we are asked to cover their funeral costs. Thank you Mr. Speaker.