Dear Editor,
Years of hard work and advocacy are finally paying off. On Nov. 30, 2023, the three-digit national suicide prevention helpline “9-8-8” launched. This life-saving service will provide Canadians who are struggling with mental health the opportunity to call or text 9-8-8 and receive free, confidential, immediate, and non-judgemental support.
The motion that led to this historic event was introduced and passed in the House of Commons by Conservative Shadow Minister of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Todd Doherty on Dec. 11, 2020.
A three-digit, easily-remembered phone number makes mental health and crisis services infinitely more accessible to those who need the help so desperately.
The 9-8-8 helpline will be open 24/7 and staffed by expert crisis responders. Our hope is that the launch of this crucial helpline will be the lifeline that so many Canadians need to help them keep fighting.
The Conservative Party would like to extend a personal and heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been involved with the process of creating and launching 9-8-8. You are doing work that will save lives.
Please, if you are struggling with mental illness, know that you don’t have to suffer alone. You are loved and you are valued, and your life is always worth living.
Brad Vis, MP
Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon
Dear Editor,
On behalf of our Christmas Hamper Committee, I would like to express our thanks to all our financial and “in-kind” donors, volunteer packers, drivers, and other helpers for all their efforts to ensure that all 161 applicants were well fed for the holidays.
We have such caring and giving businesses and individuals in our area (Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Clinton, Spences Bridge), of which we can be extremely proud! I am always encouraged, although not surprised, by the generous support we receive each year. Thank you, all!
Esther Lang, Chair
Christmas Hamper Committee