Skip to main content

“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

BC MLA Jody Toor’s Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health Bill Makes History with Unanimous Support in Second Reading


In a historic moment for British Columbia, MLA Jody Toor’s Private Member’s Bill, the Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health Strategy Act (Bill M 204), has become the first Private Member’s Bill in 43 years to pass second reading with unanimous support in a recorded vote.

With 91 MLAs present in the House out of 93 total members, every single vote was cast in favour of this bill, demonstrating the broad, nonpartisan support for prioritizing perinatal and postnatal mental health care.

Bill M 204 seeks to integrate perinatal and postnatal mental health care into B.C.’s healthcare system, ensuring that mothers and families have access to the critical resources they need during and after pregnancy.

“This is a monumental step forward for women, families, and communities across our province,” said MLA Jody Toor. “Too many mothers suffer in silence, believing they have to navigate postpartum mental health struggles alone. This bill is about making sure no woman feels isolated or unsupported during one of the most critical times in her life. I am incredibly grateful to my colleagues for recognizing the urgency of this issue and coming together in support of this bill.”

The debate over this bill was deeply personal and emotional, with MLAs from all parties sharing their own experiences with perinatal and postnatal mental health struggles, as well as the challenges their partners, families, friends, and constituents have faced.

“This debate was unlike any other. Members on both sides of the House shared deeply personal, emotional, and at times heartbreaking experiences,” said Conservative House Leader MLA Á’a:líya Warbus.

“It speaks to the importance of this bill and to Jody’s character—she is a fierce advocate, a compassionate leader, and someone who truly cares about the people she serves. Jody is the kind of person who doesn’t just talk about change—she puts in the work, listens to those in need, and fights to make life better for British Columbians. Our province is better because of her leadership, and this bill is proof of that.”

The unanimous support for Bill M 204 reflects a shared commitment to addressing perinatal and postnatal mental health and ensuring that no parent feels alone in this journey.

We are pleased to see all members of the Legislature recognize the importance of this issue and come together to support this bill. We look forward to continued collaboration with the government to ensure Bill M 204 moves forward and is fully enacted. This is an opportunity to deliver real change for families in British Columbia, and we encourage all parties to maintain this momentum.

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

FORSETH -- If having three un-happy MLA’s leave the party, is what it takes to have unity within caucus, then I say, “Fine; let it be so”

Regrettably, in recent days, issues within the Conservative Party of BC have come to the surface resulting in one member being removed from Caucus (Dallas Brodie) and the party, and two others (Tara Armstrong and Jordan Kealy) leaving of their own accord. As of this morning (Saturday March 8th) all three are now sitting as independents in the BC legislature. So, what does that mean? In the last twenty-four hours social media feeds have lit up with support for leader John Rustad, while others have been negative, accusing the party, and Rustad, of being bullies and not standing up for conservative values. Ryan Painter, who has personally worked with John Rustad, had this to say: Since the beginning, he's had one target: the BC NDP. He knows that British Columbians deserve a government that works for them, delivers on their promises, and doesn't tax them into poverty. He believes in his team and the power of a focused opposition. He knows who the enemy is. He knows BC deserves ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Conservative Opposition demonstrates focused and policy-oriented approach in first four weeks of the legislative session

In the first four weeks of the legislative session, the Conservative Official Opposition has scored significant policy wins as it proves every day that the Conservative team has fresh ideas and real-world experience to bring to the table. At the same time, the NDP government has been listless, struggling to find a policy agenda that addresses the problems that British Columbians are facing. “This NDP government led by David Eby has tried to do everything under the sun to distract from their disastrous fiscal record and the fact that they are utterly out of ideas,” said Conservative Opposition Leader John Rustad. “They’ve tried to use the U.S. President to deflect from their eye-popping $11 billion deficit, the worst business confidence in the country, and the fact that they’ve created almost zero private sector jobs. This is no way to run a province or an economy.” Since the legislative session started on February 18th with the Throne Speech, the opposition...
Post a Comment
Read more

U.S. President Donald Trump says he’s a negotiator so let’s negotiate, says BC forestry critic Ward Stamer

Today’s latest news from the US Commerce Department, of a new preliminary 20% anti-dumping duty on Canadian softwood lumber exports, is not sitting well with Kamloops North Thompson MLA, and Conservative BC Forestry critic, Ward Stamer. Speaking from Victoria Stamer commented, “Since 2017 the American’s have hit us with ten billion dollars in duties.” “Last week our party leader, John Rustad, proposed putting a carbon tax on American thermal coal. If their tariff is now 20.07% on our lumber, then let’s put 20.07% on their thermal coal.” “And let’s do it TODAY - that will certainly get their attention.” Stamer continued, “We need to get back to the table and negotiate a new free trade softwood agreement with the United States.” In recent weeks the Kamloops North Thompson MLA has been clear about the precarious situation British Columbia’s forest industry is in, with mill shut downs, and the loss of thousands of jobs. “We are going to have more people out of work, and we are going to be ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Labels

Show more