Honourable senators, since it is National Mental Health Week, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of Jude Mary Cénat, Associate Professor of Psychology and Research Chair in Black Health at the University of Ottawa. He is also the head of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health at the University of Ottawa.

His team is currently organizing the second national conference on Black mental health, which will bring together hundreds of experts and will take place in Ottawa from October 16 to 18, 2024. The theme of this year’s conference is “Reclaiming the Path to Joy.”

Over the past few months, a great deal of research has been published, and new programs for mental health promotion and prevention and culturally adapted and anti-racist intervention have been implemented across Canada.

This second national conference will be an opportunity to talk about the many barriers that continue to prevent Black people from receiving care adapted to their needs, as well as the social determinants that continue to hinder the mental health of Black people and communities in Canada.

We will learn more about the advances being made across the country and about all the knowledge gained to help ensure that Black communities in Canada live healthier, happier lives. I would invite all parliamentarians to attend the second national conference on Black mental health, which will be held in Ottawa during our October recess. Thank you.