Social Affairs, Science and Technology

Pursuant to notice of November 3, 2020, moved:

That the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology be authorized to examine and report on suicide prevention and mental health needs among Canadian boys and men, and the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in suicide statistics, when and if the committee is formed; and

That the committee submit its final report no later than December 31, 2021.

He said: Honourable senators, I rise today for the same reasons I did on February 4, 2020, in the last Parliament.

Colleagues, I will not repeat that speech, but I would like to add a few words to the original motion, to urge the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology to study the issues of mental health and suicide prevention with a specific focus on young boys, men, and Indigenous peoples.

I would also invite you to read an op-ed published in the Hill Times on November 18 by Rob Whitley, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at McGill University entitled, Worrying statistics on men’s mental health signal it’s time for an inquiry. I was expecting to speak to this motion on International Men’s Day, which was about 12 days ago, but I believe my comments are relevant, regardless of what day it is.

When dealing with these issues, we cannot forget people who are dealing with substance abuse issues. From experience, I had a problem with abusing substances. For years, I turned to alcohol to give me a quick hit, to ease the pain I was living through. It simply began with social drinking. Drinking made me feel good, to the point I did not believe, see or even fathom that I had a problem or that I was harming myself. Everything and everyone else was the problem. In a span of approximately three years, my life completely and without notice turned upside down.

After a while, I started realizing the pain was still there, so I needed, in my mind at that time, more alcohol and sometimes other substances to bury that pain. Soon, I would drink myself to sleep or until I couldn’t anymore.

Once I would wake up, I would feel so much shame. It’s not a great feeling to wake up hurting and feeling I had nothing to live for. I felt I had nowhere to go, no one to talk to, so my solution was to start my day like I ended my previous ones: bottoms up and cheers to me.

It was a sad and very twisted, vicious circle, and I simply didn’t have the tools to rise above what I was going through. It was Groundhog Day every day, for a very long time, but without the comedy.

I know many people struggle with alcohol and other substances. Opioids in particular are ravaging our country. In my case, I was in denial for years. As you are very well aware, alcohol abuse almost contributed to my death. There were other contributing factors, but those don’t fall under the purview of this motion.

All my life, I have seen alcohol destroy lives, destroy families, and I have seen what alcohol can do to people both physically and mentally. Some are lucky to handle moderate amounts, and some are lucky and don’t have problems at all. Many Canadians have alcohol use disorder. Many Indigenous peoples also have alcohol use disorder.

Imagine my situation for a second. I had professional and personal problems in the span of a couple of years, and turned to alcohol for help. Now imagine the generational trauma suffered by Indigenous peoples because of the poor, unfair and oftentimes inhumane conditions to which they were subjected throughout the years and to this very day. Are we to have harsh, strict and stereotypical thoughts, beliefs and comments toward Indigenous peoples or anyone else struggling for that matter?

My fellow Canadians, alcohol use disorder is a serious mental health issue, and the correct response to my rhetorical question is a resounding no. No one should be ridiculed if they have a problem. We should be doing our best to help. We know all the negative impacts alcohol has on people who are struggling, and I would suggest to you it may be time to have a discussion on alcohol and other substances, and on the negative impacts on individuals, communities, families, the health system, the legal system and the high cost associated with turning a blind eye to human beings who are struggling.

To anyone who is having a problem with substance abuse issues, I understand you and I feel for you. It is not easy to quit. It is not easy to get rid of the problem, and it doesn’t go away overnight. I overcame it because I tried and failed several times. I sought help several times because it could happen that the person with expertise, sitting in front of you, may or may not be the right fit for you. It takes strength, courage and personal will. It’s not the easiest thing to find or see clearly when one is in the dark. Most of all, it takes patience; patience to heal. That means to take the time needed. Sometimes, it may take one person who cares, who reaches out. This can change a life ,and the last time I checked, kindness is free and it’s very fulfilling.

We’re in the middle of a pandemic. We are under a minority government, but I firmly believe this study needs to take place as quickly as possible, to hopefully get this important work underway, and especially in light of these difficult times.

Colleagues, I was the hardest-headed person I knew. I didn’t believe I had a problem. I thought my problems would simply go away. I was wrong. I was in denial and I was not myself. Today, after years of personal work, intense reflection and the support of family and friends, I have been clean and sober for a while. I feel I have found myself again, or at least I’m proud of the Algonquin person I am today, and I am serving Canadians to the best of my capabilities.

I was tired of the pain and sadness I was feeling. I finally made the decision that I wanted to be happy again. I took the baby steps I needed to get where I am today. It’s a fight I will likely have for the rest of my life, but this time I’m not underestimating my opponent. I’m standing toe to toe with it, and by my actions, hopefully this time my opponent will be the one who will run out of gas.

If not, I plan to still be standing when the final bell rings. This time, I will win the hardest battle I have ever fought in my life. Let me tell you, I have fought quite a few. This one; I’m ready for it, but one day at a time.

Honourable senators, it is my firm belief that it’s our role and responsibility to look out for the most vulnerable. Many people are hurting, but collectively we can bring the hope that people need and deserve. We are talking about men and young boys here. We’re talking about our brothers, our fathers, our uncles, our neighbours. It’s time that men in particular, and young boys, get the help that they need to be able to cope. With that, thank you for listening and for your precious time. Thank you. Meegwetch.