Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Wetaskiwin Mike Lake has recently been named one of Canada’s ‘2022 Champions of Mental Health’ by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health.
Lake took on the role of Canadian Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Addictions and Suicide in November 2021 and has had an active role in advocating for mental health resources for Canadians in that time.
“It’s such a nice reinforcement that the work we are doing is making a difference,” Lake told the Pipestone Flyer about his new accolade.
Lake says one of the current issues his team with Mental Health, Addictions and Suicide Prevention are working on is trying to establish a three-digit suicide prevention hotline, something quick and easy for all to remember and access.
“Nobody in their darkest hour should have to do a google search for a number.”
In addition to this Lake and his team are trying to focus on recovery and help for Canadians struggling with opioid addictions amid the opioid crisis. He states that in Canada, 20 people are lost to opioid overdoses daily.
“I want to use every relationship I have, every connection I have as a Member of Parliament to help.”