First Session, 43rd Parliament

Official Report

of Debates

( Hansard )

Monday, March 10, 2025

Morning Sitting

Issue No. 20

The Honourable Raj Chouhan , Speaker

ISSN 1499-2175

The HTML transcript is provided for informational purposes only.

The PDF transcript remains the official digital version.

Contents

Routine Business

Introductions by Members

Orders of the Day

Private Members’ Statements

World Tuberculosis Day and Tuberculosis Awareness

Jessie Sunner

Cole Iszak and Back on Track Women’s Recovery Initiative

Linda Hepner

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Rohini Arora

Short-Term Rental Property and Tourism Accommodation

Scott McInnis

Nowruz Celebrations

Jennifer Blatherwick

Shuswap History and Heritage Sites

David Williams

Second Reading of Bills

Bill M204 — Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health Strategy Act

Jody Toor

Susie Chant

Á’a:líya Warbus

Jeremy Valeriote

Amna Shah

Claire Rattée

Dana Lajeunesse

Anna Kindy

Sunita Dhir

Trevor Halford

Darlene Rotchford

Jody Toor

Monday, March 10, 2025

The House met at 10:03 a.m.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

Routine Business

Prayers and reflections: Pete Davis.

[10:05 a.m.]

Introductions by Members

Linda Hepner : I would like to acknowledge, in the gallery today, people from the city of Surrey,

Mr. Cole Izsak and his son Josiah.

I hope the House will make them feel welcome.

Jody Toor : Today I rise to introduce a dear friend of mine, Michelle Mollineaux, who is also

one of our colleagues and a candidate for Richmond-Steveston.

I just want to give her a warm welcome. Hopefully, all members can join to make her

feel welcome today.

Gavin Dew : I rise to recognize Alex Sagert, who is in the House with us today. Alex is a community

advocate and president of the Conservative’s Richmond-Steveston Riding Association.

He’s a strong community leader who organizes the annual Steveston Santa Claus Parade,

and other great events in Richmond, while advocating to Richmond city council for

better options for drug and mental health issues. He also just finished a stint as

a member of the organizing committee for the Invictus Games, as the logistics and

transportation coordinator.

Please welcome Alex.

Orders of the Day

Private Members’ Statements

World Tuberculosis Day

and Tuberculosis Awareness

Jessie Sunner : I rise today to recognize World Tuberculosis Day, taking place on March 24.

This day is not just a reminder of a global health challenge; it is deeply personal

to me. In 2016, while in my last year of law school, I was diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Like many others, I didn’t even know it was possible to get tuberculosis here in Canada.

At first, I didn’t recognize the symptoms for what they were — chest pain, exhaustion,

unintended weight loss. I assumed it was just the stress of law school taking its

toll, but within weeks, these symptoms worsened, so I finally sought medical help.

For months, I went from doctor to doctor, trying to get answers, but tuberculosis

isn’t always the first condition that comes to mind when diagnosing a patient, especially

here in Canada. It is often seen as a disease of the past, something that doesn’t

exist here anymore. Because of this, I was initially diagnosed with pneumonia, then

double-lung pneumonia and then as having a collapsed lung.

[Mable Elmore in the chair.]

When treatment for these diagnoses didn’t work, I continued to advocate for myself,

and after six long months of uncertainty and worsening symptoms, the diagnosis finally

came: tuberculosis.

I was grateful to finally have a diagnosis, but the road to recovery was not an easy

one. Tuberculosis treatment is long. It required nine months of strong medication,

often with difficult side effects, all while dealing with the stigma attached to tuberculosis,

which made it a rather isolating experience.

What stood out to me was how little people knew about the disease. There were so many

misconceptions. People assumed that tuberculosis was long eradicated, that it only

affected certain parts of the world or that it only affected certain populations in

our society. I realized that awareness was just as important as medical treatment

in fighting this disease.

Even after completing treatment, tuberculosis does not simply go away from your life.

It leaves lasting impacts. To this day, I still experience chest pain and have limited

lung capacity, and that is a constant reminder of the battle that I fought.

I’m also carrying something else from this experience, and that’s a deep appreciation

for the health care workers who helped me through it. I’m grateful to the doctors,

the nurses and the specialists who finally identified my illness. I’m grateful for

the care and the compassion I received throughout my treatment, and I’m grateful to

have access to the best medical system in the entire world, because for many people

in the world, that’s just not the case.

[10:10 a.m.]

Tuberculosis is not just a health issue; it is a human rights issue. The reality is

that tuberculosis does not affect all communities equally. In Canada, tuberculosis

rates remain unacceptably high in Indigenous and remote communities. Globally tuberculosis

disproportionately affects those living in poverty, overcrowded housing and marginalized

communities. People who already face barriers to health care are the ones who are

most at risk, yet tuberculosis is curable and preventable.

No one should suffer or lose their life because of where they live, their income level

or systemic barriers that prevent them from getting the care they need when they need

it. That is why we must continue this fight, because access to timely diagnosis, life-saving

treatment and proper health care is not a privilege; it is a fundamental human right.

Thankfully, there is hope. Thanks to the work of organizations like the B.C. Lung

Foundation and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, more people than ever are being

diagnosed early, treated effectively and given the chance to recover. Advances in

medicine and global efforts to eliminate tuberculosis have saved millions of lives,

but the fight is not over.

I often think about how different my story might have been if I had not had the access

to care I received. What if I had not been diagnosed in time? What if I had not been

able to advocate for myself? There are people in this province, in this country and

in our world who are still in this position today, searching for answers, struggling

for care and fighting for their lives against a disease that we have the power to

eliminate.

On World Tuberculosis Day, let us recognize the progress we have made, the challenges

that remain and the people — the health care professionals, the researchers, the advocates

and the survivors — who are working to build a future where tuberculosis is no longer

a threat.

When we fight tuberculosis, we are fighting for health care as a human right. That

is a fight worth continuing.

Cole Iszak and Back on Track

Women’s Recovery Initiative

Linda Hepner : I rise today to speak about a special man and a special place. Cole Iszak, who I

acknowledged in the gallery earlier this morning, is a single dad to Josiah. They

lost a much-loved partner and mom many months ago.

Cole’s story starts some 14 years ago when he reinvented himself at a Surrey recovery

home. Shortly after that, his life’s purpose was born, and he founded Back on Track,

which today has expanded to nine licensed nurturing homes in Surrey where people come

to heal.

I first met Cole some seven years ago when I was Surrey’s mayor, and I quickly learned

he was a man on a mission. His mission is to not only change lives but to literally

save them. I am proud of the work he does, and our community is better because he

is in it. Cole knows firsthand the struggles of addiction and, more importantly, the

power of recovery. This is not about a program; it’s about a lifeline built by someone

who has walked the same life path.

Today I wanted to highlight a Back on Track initiative that I have in my riding of

Surrey–Serpentine River. It’s a place of transformation and second chances and is

called the Northstar Castle. What makes it different than the other Back on Track

initiatives is that this is solely supporting women pursuing a better life through

recovery.

I thought it appropriate, after International Women’s Day, to highlight an effort

that empowers women when they most need that sense of self and empowerment over their

lives. There is only one women’s recovery facility for every 15 we have for men. We

could and we should have more. The Castle has a wait-list. It provides a safe and

a structured home where women can connect, rebuild, find employment and reclaim their

futures. The impact reaches beyond the individual. The community itself grows stronger.

[10:15 a.m.]

Consider Desiree, who surrendered to recovery after two decades either deep in addiction

or locked up in jail. She now says: “Because of the love and the support I found at

Back on Track over two years ago, my daughter now has a mother, my face now has a

smile, and my life now has a future.”

These days, Desiree works full-time with Cole and has become a recognized beacon of

hope for the next person on the wait-list to get into the Northstar Castle. This success

story is illustrative that recovery is possible, and, with the right support, women

can not only heal but find ways to pay it forward and give back, just as Desiree has

done and just as the founder of the Castle has done.

I am proud to see Northstar in my riding, and I commend all those seeking a better

path for their lives. I’m going to close with a comment from a man I’ll call Pops,

who says of recovery: “I have a new lease on life, a place to call home and a family

from whom I have been estranged for nearly 30 years.”

Thank you, Cole, and to all those who do this important work.

International Day

for the Elimination of

Racial Discrimination

Rohini Arora : I’d like to begin by acknowledging that I’m speaking today on the lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən, including the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.

I stand today to recognize an important day that impacts everyone and serves as a

reminder that the path to inclusion is one that involves us all — a path not carved

by tolerance but of acceptance of our differences and, further, a recognition of the

uniqueness of our intersecting identities and experiences.

Guided by the international convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination,

the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination recognizes that

the injustices and prejudices fuelled by racial discrimination take place every day.

Observed annually on March 21, it commemorates the day police in Sharpeville, South

Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid-passed

laws in 1960.

While much progress has been made here, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and

racialized and religious minority communities in Canada continue to face racism and

discrimination every day. This day serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations

and all levels of government to actively work to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination,

injustice, systemic racism and hate, recommitting efforts to ensure all people are

respected and have equal access and opportunity to be safe and to succeed.

The United Nations General Assembly reiterates that all human beings are born free

and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively

to the development and well-being of their societies. In its most recent resolution,

the General Assembly also emphasized that any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically

false, morally condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous, and must be rejected, together

with theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races.

We might be different colours of the crayon box, but make no mistake, we are one race,

the human race. I know the members on the other side like to say we are scripted,

but let me be clear. We, like you, are passionate about the work that happens here,

and I wrote this myself.

To my siblings in First Nations and Métis communities: you are land stewards, healers

and knowledge-keepers. You care for Mother Earth through practices of sustainability.

You take only what you need when harvesting and leave enough so that the medicine

can continue to grow and help others when they need it.

[10:20 a.m.]

You are thoughtful and consider seven generations forward in your decision-making.

You are sacred, bold and brilliant. Your way of life is so entrenched in the caretaking

of our planet, carrying out the duties of our or your Creator. I see the revitalization

of your ways, and it warms my heart to see a little girl learning to throat sing with

her mom, a multi-generational family sharing in their traditional dance or a child

speaking their language with pride. May you continue to flourish, and may you have

your land back.

Sorry, folks. My pet died today, and I’m really feeling it.

To my brown, Black and racialized siblings who share in their own traditions: you

are part of what makes this province so unique — the language, dance, ceremony and

folklore. You are sacred, and you matter. You are hard-working and resilient, and

your focus on families is awe-inspiring. Many of you came here for a better life and

sacrificed to ensure your children have the opportunities that you didn’t. You are

all remarkable, loving and generous.

To the parents whose hands look rough from a lifetime of work: we are reminded every

day of the sacrifices you have made. I see you all, regardless of who you are, where

you come from, how you pray or who you love.

I will finish with these final words, and I encourage you all to let it sink in. Diversity

is a fact, equity is the work, and inclusion will be the outcome.

Short-Term Rental Property

and Tourism Accommodation

Scott McInnis : It’s an honour to stand before you all today and speak about the most breathtaking

and awe-inspiring riding in this province, Columbia River–Revelstoke.

The riding I represent is home to four of Canada’s most spectacular national parks:

Mount Revelstoke, Yoho, Kootenay and Glacier National. These protected landscapes

offer a sanctuary for wildlife and a playground for residents and visitors alike.

Whether you’re hiking among ancient cedars, skiing world-class slopes or simply taking

in the serenity of our alpine vistas, it’s impossible not to feel a deep sense of

a connection to this land.

Columbia River–Revelstoke also hosts five of the province’s 14 resort municipalities.

These communities are known for their world-class skiing, breathtaking mountain bike

trails and endless outdoor recreation opportunities. Again, whether it’s the thrill

of heli-skiing in the winter or the tranquility of casting a fly on the St. Mary River

in the summer, we are fortunate to live in a place that offers adventure in every

season.

Tourism is the lifeblood of our communities. The visitors who come to experience our

stunning landscapes support our local businesses, from restaurants to guiding services,

grocery stores and retail shops. Without a thriving tourism industry, our economy

would suffer greatly, and we must continue to support initiatives that bring people

to our region while preserving the very environment that makes it so special.

I want to address this government’s new short-term rental registration policy. Honestly,

I understand what the government is trying to do. However, it was poorly thought-out

and implemented.

Surrey and Burnaby have much different housing markets, demographics and needs than

Golden or Invermere do in the East Kootenays. There has been no focus on the needs

of individual communities with the registry, especially rural resort municipalities.

In rural resort municipalities, short-term rentals aren’t just an option; they’re

a necessity. These towns rely on tourism to survive, and there simply aren’t enough

accommodation options for communities which boast populations of only 5,000 to 8,000

residents.

These short-term rental operators aren’t faceless corporations who buy up local real

estate to boost shareholder profits. These are young families who saved up for years

and used equity in their primary residence to buy a rental. They’re seniors supplementing

their modest income, having worked for decades to pay off their mortgage.

[10:25 a.m.]

Now, instead of focusing on providing great, local, short-term accommodations, these

community members are slammed with combined fees of well over $1,000. The result?

Many of these operators will be taking down their listings, some before March break.

This will be catastrophic — cancelled bookings and families who choose to go elsewhere

for their getaway.

Local governments already addressed the STR registration issue. Regional districts

and municipalities implemented licensing and registration fees some time ago. But

this government feels like they’ve been left out and now have tacked on a second registration

fee of up to $600. There’s no return for rental operators whatsoever from this provincial

registry. None. This is a shakedown, plain and simple.

Here’s the kicker. The government claims this will solve the housing crisis. They

say they’re levelling the playing field between short- and long-term rentals and providing

more homes for families. Instead, why aren’t they looking at adjusting something like

the step code, which would bring down the cost of homes dramatically? Instead, they

are just adding another fee, because heaven forbid, they miss an opportunity to collect

a buck.

Let’s call this what it is, a cash grab. Like most government cash grabs, it’s being

sold to us as a solution to a problem they themselves created.

The housing crisis didn’t come from short-term rentals. It came from years of government

inaction, bad planning and a refusal to get out of the way of responsible development.

Rather than fix that, they found an easier target: small business owners in rural

B.C. Rural B.C. is struggling mightily under this NDP government. Policies need to

make sense, and this one certainly does not.

I got into politics for the sole reason of providing strong representation for my

home. This new short-term rental registration is making those who provide necessary

accommodation in my communities very upset. End the shakedown, end these registry

fees, and don’t forget about us in the Kootenays, who are vital to this province.

Nowruz Celebrations

Jennifer Blatherwick : Living in Coquitlam-Maillardville, I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to

share in so many beautiful traditions from around the world, including the upcoming

celebration of Nowruz.

I would like to gratefully acknowledge the guidance of my constituent, Negar, who

shared her feelings and her family’s story and this poem about Nowruz by Sa’adi Shirazi.

All credit to Negar for her guidance. Any errors are mine.

“Bahr ahmad bahde sobh ho boo ye Norouz,

Be kaammeh doostan o bakht eh pirooz,

Mobarak baadat, een sahl o hammeh sahl

Homahyoon bahdat, een rooz o hammeh rooz.”

“It has arrived, the wind of morning and the smell of Norouz,

With the sweetness of friends, and good fortune,

I wish you blessings this year, and every year,

May this day be prosperous, and every day that follows.”

[Farsi text provided by Jennifer Blatherwick.]

Nowruz marks the spring equinox and the beginning of the new year for many communities,

like Iranians, Tajiks, Afghans, the Kurdish people, Azeris, Baháʼís, Ismailis and Zoroastrians. It is a cherished day, a time when the spring breeze breathes

life and hope into a brand-new day.

To start off the celebrations, we can leap over the fires of Chaharshanbe Suri, leaving

behind the darkness of the past year, letting the flame ignite within us the promise

of hope. I think we could all use some of that in times like these.

I’d like to share with you Negar’s story. Her family immigrated to Canada in 2015.

At ten years old, she stood at the gates of the Tehran airport, waving goodbye to

her family, thinking that becoming a Canadian would mean sacrificing everything: her

family, her culture, her identity and all the traditions she cherished.

Today she is celebrating ten years of being an Iranian-Canadian. To this day, she

and her family set up the haft sin table and celebrate Nowruz, keeping the fire of

tradition and connection alive. Her family gathers to drink saffron chai as they read

the wise words of Hafez at the haft sin table. They visit the bank to collect crisp

dollar bills, ready to hand out 80 to the young ones.

Though their hearts ache for the loved ones whose absence feels particularly profound

in this season, their dinner table remains full, filled with the warmth of friends

who have become chosen family.

I want to acknowledge the open hearts of those who reach out to share their traditions

and bring the light of celebrations like Nowruz to a wider circle: Negar, who took

the time to tell me about her experience and check my pronunciation; Amir and his

family, who have shared many meals and celebrations with my family; Honieh, who insists

that I dance because food, dance and tea are Persian love languages; and Mojgan, who

is an extraordinary person.

[10:30 a.m.]

I hope that all of you have the chance to have someone like Mojgan in your life, because

she is like the spirit of spring, like Nowruz in a person. She realized there are

many Farsi-speaking seniors in our community who felt disconnected and alone, and

the loneliness epidemic amongst our seniors is so real, especially when there can

be an additional isolation of a language or culture barrier. So she organized to bring

people together to share time, to enjoy conversation, to do activities together.

For years, she dedicated herself to building a place where Farsi-speaking seniors

could gather to celebrate events like Nowruz — occasions and traditions that bind

us together in happiness. Of course, Reihane and her husband, Ali, give themselves

to raise up others, organizing and working every week to ensure that over 4,000 people

in our community are fed.

The spirit of Nowruz is that of resilience, renewal and community. This spirit continues

to reverberate joy throughout the world, as it has for over 3,000 years. If you can,

please come to the Tri-City Iranian Cultural Society’s Chaharshanbe Suri festival

in Coquitlam on Tuesday, March 18. Join many of us in our community as we jump over

the fire to usher out the old, cold year and bring in the next with the warmth of

spring.

Har ruzetan Nowruz, Nowruzetan piruz.

Happy Nowruz.

Shuswap History and Heritage Sites

David Williams : There are events in history that we may not always agree with, but our pioneering

past should be embraced and preserved not forgotten or cancelled.

History teaches us valuable lessons through its challenges, hardships and diverse

cultures that shaped this province into what it is today. Our region brought about

people from all over the world, adding to the rich Indigenous culture that existed

long before European settlement. It is essential that we recognize, protect and celebrate

these legacies to ensure that future generations understand our shared past.

In my riding of Salmon Arm–Shuswap, we are fortunate to have remarkable heritage sites

that preserve the history of our region. Today I rise to recognize two such destinations

and the dedicated volunteers and staff who work tirelessly to maintain them, despite

ongoing financial struggles. These individuals embody the pioneering spirit, ensuring

that our historical landmarks remain vibrant and educational.

The discovery of gold in the Cariboo in 1858 forever changed British Columbia. Tens

of thousands of prospectors flocked to the province in search of wealth, but few struck

gold. However, all of them needed food. Between 1858 and 1868, over 22,000 cattle

were driven north from the U.S. border through the Okanagan Valley to feed the miners.

As the colony grew, British officials encouraged settlers to establish farms and ranches

by offering land at low prices, often under the false premise that the land was unoccupied.

One such pioneer was Cornelius O’Keefe, who founded the O’Keefe Ranch near Armstrong

in 1867. Initially a cattle ranch, the site later housed the region’s first post office

and a general store, growing to 12,000 acres by 1900.

As economic priorities shifted from ranching to orchards, O’Keefe sold much of his

land in 1907. His family continued to live and ranch on the site until financial struggles

led them to open it as a heritage site in 1967. Today it is operated by the O’Keefe

Ranch and Interior Heritage Society.

The ranch preserves 19th-century buildings, artifacts and archives, offering educational

programs and historic exhibits. However, it faces financial challenges, and its historic

structures require urgent maintenance and revitalization. Without proper funding,

this valuable piece of history is at risk. I urge the provincial government to recognize

the significance of this site and provide the financial support needed to preserve

it for future generations.

[10:35 a.m.]

Another historical treasure in our region is the R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum,

the largest heritage village in the Shuswap. This site showcases the region’s rich

natural environment and agricultural history through immersive exhibits and educational

programs.

The property was originally owned by R.J. Haney, a pioneer who moved from Winnipeg

to Salmon Arm in 1902. He built his first house in 1910, which remains on the site

today. The heritage village was established in 1989 around Haney’s house and two relocated

historical structures, Mount Ida Church and Broadview School.

Since the construction of the Montebello Museum in 2017, additional replica and historical

buildings have been added, bringing the total to 24. Set on 20 acres of scenic farmland,

the village includes interactive exhibits, a children’s discovery centre, walking

trails and the popular Villains and Vittles Dinner Theatre, which runs during the

summer months.

Like many cultural institutions, R.J. Haney Heritage Village has struggled financially,

receiving limited provincial funding since the COVID-19 shutdown. The pandemic had

a devastating impact on the heritage sites, and recovery has been slow. Despite these

challenges, the staff and volunteers continue to provide exceptional educational experiences

and preserve the region’s history.

I encourage everyone to visit, explore the exhibits and support this vital historical

site. Enjoy a meal at the Sprig of Heather restaurant, famous for rhubarb crisp, or

take in a dinner theatre show. These experiences not only enrich our understanding

of the past, but they also contribute to the preservation of our shared heritage.

Sites like the O’Keefe Ranch and R.J. Haney Heritage Village offer more than just

history lessons. They are community gathering places, economic drivers and sources

of regional pride. Without them, we risk losing tangible connections to our past.

I urge my colleagues and the public to recognize the value of these historical sites

and ensure that they receive the proper financial support needed to thrive.

Our past is not just history; it is the foundation of our future. Let’s work together

to protect and celebrate it.

Deputy Speaker : According to the order paper, we will look to the member for Langley-Willowbrook

to move second reading of Bill M204, Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health Strategy

Act.

Second Reading of Bills

Bill M204 — Perinatal and Postnatal

Mental Health Strategy Act

Jody Toor : I move that Bill M204 be now read a second time.

I am privileged to stand here today to introduce Bill M204, the Perinatal and Postnatal

Mental Health Strategy Act, in its second reading.

I’m standing here today not just as an MLA but as a mother of two beautiful daughters,

someone who understands firsthand that pregnancy and new parenthood are life-changing

experiences. They bring incredible joy but also can be mentally, emotionally and physically

demanding.

Despite how common prenatal and postnatal mental health struggles are, too many women

suffer in silence. They feel isolated, overwhelmed and without the support they need.

This bill is about changing that. The reality of prenatal and postnatal mental health

is that one in five women in B.C. experience prenatal or postnatal mental health struggles

— things like postpartum depression, anxiety, birth trauma and, in rare cases, postpartum

psychosis. Yet the majority of these women don’t get the help they need.

According to Statistics Canada, only 32 percent of mothers struggling with postpartum

depression or anxiety receive any treatment. Thirty-nine percent got therapy; 38 percent

were prescribed medication. Just 23 percent received both. These numbers indicate

that our system isn’t meeting the needs of new mothers and families.

This isn’t just about mothers, though they are most impacted. Partners and fathers

can also experience postnatal mental health struggles. These challenges, strained

relationships, affect financial stability and impact child development. If we ignore

this issue, the effects ripple out across families, workplaces and communities.

[10:40 a.m.]

There are gaps we need to fix. Right now there are three major problems.

A lack of public awareness. Too many parents don’t recognize what they’re going through

as a medical issue.

Not enough community support. If you live in the right place and have the right benefits,

you might find the care, but for many, that’s not an option.

Inconsistent training for health care providers. Mental health screening isn’t standard

practice in prenatal care, and that means problems go undiagnosed.

Bill M204 is about fixing those gaps by ensuring a coordinated, accountable approach

to prenatal and postnatal mental health care.

The Minister of Health will be responsible for developing a provincial strategy that

ensures universal access to prenatal and postnatal mental health care, expands community-based

mental health services so that parents can get help where they live, provides specialized

training for health care providers so they recognize the signs earlier, increases

awareness so families know what help is available and improves grief support for those

facing pregnancy loss or infant loss.

This bill brings the issue to the forefront, ensuring we move beyond discussion to

real, measurable actions. It establishes clear implementation and accountability measures.

The strategy must be developed within one year. Consultations will be done with the

appropriate individuals and groups.

It must be reviewed and updated every two years. Progression must be reported publicly

so there is no way to hide inaction. A full bill review will happen every five years

to ensure we’re not just setting goals, but we’re meeting them.

This is a step forward. It’s about making sure prenatal and postnatal mental health

is integrated in health care. This bill is about supporting mothers, fathers, partners

and families and the entire communities. It’s about the mother who struggles in silence

because she doesn’t know where to turn and where to get the help she needs when she

needs it. It’s about the father who feels overwhelmed and unsupported in his new role.

It’s about the families who suffer because prenatal mental health isn’t taken seriously

enough.

This bill sets a foundation for change. It makes sure that mothers, parents and families

in British Columbia have access to the care they need when they need it.

Susie Chant : Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that I am currently staying, working

and learning on the unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən, specifically the Songhees and Esquimalt people.

North Vancouver–Seymour, my riding where I live, work and learn, is in the territory

of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and the səlilwətaɬ Nations.

I rise today to address Bill M204, Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health Strategy

Act. The concepts that make up the framework of the bill are reasonable, but it does

not necessarily speak to effective actions that support mental health of women before,

during and after pregnancy.

I fully acknowledge that maternal mental health is critically important to the mother,

to the infant and to the rest of the family, and I would like to outline some of the

current mechanisms in place that already have funding, staffing and resource allocation.

I have children. They’re a little elderly now, relatively speaking. They’re 32 and

27. However, at the time that my first daughter was born, I was living overseas. I

was very lucky. When I became pregnant, I was working in a nursing college, so I delegated

my pregnancy to somebody that knew what was going on, to the obstetrical people. My

area was psychiatry and critical care, so obstetrics and stuff were not in my wheelhouse.

When my baby was due, I was very fortunate that the midwives lived approximately half

a block from me. Two days after I got home, my husband was sent across to the house

to get a midwife to come and talk to me because I could not stop crying, and my baby

could not stop crying. We were both very miserable. What we determined shortly thereafter

was that she was a colicky baby.

That made us miserable for about six months, but at least I knew what was going on.

I absolutely remember being completely miserable and having people around me to say:

“This is how you work through it. This is what you can do. Let me take the baby for

a little while, and you get out for a walk. Let’s do this. Let’s do that.” To support

my husband and to support my baby.

[10:45 a.m.]

Then the next one came along five years later. I didn’t learn, did I. The next one

was much easier because I knew a lot more. Also, she arrived a heck of a lot faster.

I wasn’t even in the hospital before she almost made herself present. That was a different

story.

Anyway, with that one, I was living back in North Vancouver, and I had the opportunity

to have somebody come and see me in the home and to see how things were going and

to check back with me. I know the value of those services; I know from my own personal

experiences. I know from supporting young mothers around me in my neighbourhood, and

I understand that we need to make sure that they are available to all.

I just want to go through what we have at the moment and assure the folks that are

watching that we are always looking at systems, and we’re always building, because

we can always do better and can always get more out there.

The bill may, as well, speaking to a gap that has been identified…. Consultation with

health care providers and a thorough review of current programs is what I’m going

to go through. These steps have been taken, but there is always more that can be done.

For example, Perinatal Services B.C. provides leadership and coordination for perinatal

health care across the province, offering evidence-based information, education and

resources related to perinatal health. This includes comprehensive postpartum support,

including guidance on newborn care, mental health, breastfeeding and more.

The B.C. Women’s Hospital already established the perinatal mental health and substance

use engagement network, aimed at enhancing mental health and substance use services

for perinatal individuals. The B.C. Women’s Hospital is a provincial and teaching

hospital that specializes in women’s health, including maternity care.

Midwifery services. There are midwives in B.C., and they provide primary health care

to pregnant individuals and newborns, including mental health support. The B.C. midwifery

program ensures these services are covered for eligible residents and is becoming

more and more evident throughout rural B.C. as well, which is an important step for

us to take, because the midwives are relatively recently recognized and their skill

and their expertise is very, very valuable.

HealthLinkBC, 811, is a confidential health care service provider that provides access

to nurses, pharmacists and dietitians, as well as online resources about perinatal

and postpartum mental health.

Carrier Sekani Family Services is an Indigenous-led organization that offers prenatal

and postnatal support to Indigenous communities in north central B.C.

As I said prior, these are some of the things that are out there, and there is more

work to be done, absolutely.

Additional services already in B.C. serve to meet the needs of other maternal populations,

such as women who become surrogates or those who place their infants or children up

for adoption. The Pacific Post-Partum Support Society offers resources for postpartum

depression and anxiety, recognizing the emotional toll of adoption and surrogacy.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development’s adoption services provides counselling

and guidance for those that are considering adoption.

Public health units across B.C. always serve as a critical access point for pre- and

postnatal support. These units are available in rural and urban areas alike, ensuring

that individuals at any stage of their pregnancy or postpartum journey can receive

assistance. Part of the challenge is making sure that people know what’s out there,

and that is a very important piece of having a navigator to community health systems

throughout the province.

There’s also a variety of programs that support partners and families. Fathers, too,

can experience mental health challenges. As many of us in the chamber know, the emotional,

psychological and physical stress of becoming a new parent is not limited only to

the mothers. Partners, too, can manifest anxiety, depression and identity shifts.

A couple of examples that are available for support in this area are the Canadian

Men’s Health Foundation, which connects men with local mental health resources; and

the DUDES Club, which provides a space for Indigenous men to focus on their well-being.

[10:50 a.m.]

This bill has not really addressed the full spectrum of maternal and paternal clientele.

However, it does speak to a gap that we are working on and will always be working

on. The underlying idea behind this bill is a positive one. It acknowledges the need

for strong perinatal and postnatal mental health supports. It does offer some areas

that are needing to be filled.

There are some solutions that are already out there, but there are more coming. Instead

of focusing on creating new programs from scratch, our government continues the evolving

work towards ensuring these health services are accessible, available and effective

for all those that would benefit from appropriate care.

Á’a :líya Warbus : It is my honour and privilege to rise in the House today and speak in support of

this important bill, not just as an MLA but as a mother and a parent like so many

others in the chamber today.

I’m a mother of three beautiful children, and the journey of pregnancy, birth and

raising a child has been like nothing else. The toll that it took on my body and the

changes I experienced and the difference in hormone levels was something that no one

could have prepared me for.

There’s so much joy in welcoming a child into the world. I know what it is to nurture

a life from within and also the challenges that come with that. When you hold your

child for the first time, something inside you fundamentally shifts, but I also know

how demanding, exhausting and overwhelming those early days can be. While I had many

ups, there were also moments of extreme struggle, moments of self-doubt, exhaustion

and uncertainty. I know that for many women, it can be a lot harder on them than it

is for others.

A former constituent and friend of mine, who is a wonderful and inspiring woman, faced

severe mental health challenges during her first pregnancy and postpartum. With her

first, she struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety, which escalated into

a psychosis. Because she didn’t feel that she could talk about this openly with her

family, or anyone for that matter, she hid and suffered through it alone.

Eventually she did push through, but she was terrified. She was very isolated during

this time, and she does not know what would have happened if it wasn’t for her husband

and her family, who stepped in when they were able to assess and notice that something

was off with their daughter and the husband with his wife. Because of them, she finally

got the help that she needed. She received the proper treatment, and she was put on

the right medications.

When she became pregnant again, which was just recently, she made the choice to continue

her treatment and to stay open about her struggles, if they were to come, with her

family and her supports, prioritizing her mental health over anything else. Now with

two children to care for soon, she understands that taking care of her mental health

isn’t just for her. It’s for those two kids. Getting the right support didn’t just

help her recover; it’s given her the stability and the strength to prevent another

overwhelming and stressful crisis.

This is the difference that real support makes, but not everyone has that kind of

support around them. No woman should have to suffer in silence. The struggle is real;

the isolation is real. For too long, we haven’t done enough to address it, to bring

awareness and ensure that we are destigmatizing this issue for all women. That is

why this bill matters.

[10:55 a.m.]

For too long, perinatal and postnatal mental health has been overlooked and treated

as something women should manage on their own. The reality is that no mother should

have to navigate this alone. This bill is about ensuring that real support, real care

and real change for women and families across British Columbia becomes a reality in

our health care system, not just something that we talk about.

When mothers don’t get the care they need, it affects their children, who need them

to be healthy and well. It affects their families, who rely on them. Oftentimes women

are the crux of families surviving the difficult times — that we’re facing right now.

Their ability to recover, thrive and care for themselves needs to be paramount in

our thinking.

This bill takes a critical step forward to ensure that perinatal and postnatal mental

health is integrated into our health care system, that resources are available when

and where they’re needed and that no woman falls through the cracks ever again.

This is not a moment for politics as usual. This is the right thing to do. It’s one

of the moments where we can set all politics aside and come together to support something

meaningful for our most precious asset, which is our children. That is why I proudly

support this bill, and I urge all of you to do the same.

Kw’as ho:y.

Jeremy Valeriote : Like the member for Langley-Willowbrook, I am also the parent of two daughters, and

I am pleased to speak to this bill, M204. The B.C. Green caucus appreciates the much-needed

focus on perinatal and postnatal mental health.

Mental health care is an issue we can all get behind, and it’s more important than

ever to continue to invest in the mental well-being of British Columbians. It’s also

an often-overlooked area, as has been pointed out.

We know that a parent’s mental health can be hugely impacted by pregnancy and the

challenges of a newborn. Parents deserve full access to the mental health care that

they need during these vulnerable times, and this bill is a step in that direction.

We appreciate the member for shining a light on this issue.

There is a lot we can support within this bill. The consideration of social determinants

of mental health and barriers in accessing care while developing the strategy is encouraging.

The diverse consultation process — particularly concerning those with lived experience,

Indigenous governing bodies and advocacy organizations — is also promising and ensures

that the government is fulfilling its DRIPA commitments.

This bill aligns with commitments that the B.C. Green caucus has been pursuing for

years. Mental health issues that predominantly affect women need more attention and

support. We are glad to see that the member for Langley-Willowbrook shares our concerns,

and we’re more motivated than ever to continue advocating for parents’ mental health

care.

During the committee stage, we’ll continue to champion the importance of choice and

consultation in the development of this legislation. For all people able to experience

pregnancy, choice is paramount. Decisions on whether to become pregnant, whether to

continue with a pregnancy and whether and how to access support services if a pregnancy

is terminated or ends must be the decision of the pregnant person.

This House must be aware of the limitations of our jurisdiction and must not overstep

these bounds. Provision of grief counselling for people who have experienced a termination

or stillbirth is welcome if that’s the decision of the person most directly impacted.

Increases in the availability of these services are welcome; a requirement to access

them is most certainly not. I look forward to hearing more from the member responsible

about their intentions with this provision.

We also hope that the implementation of this strategy will come with an update to

the women’s health and well-being report to ensure up-to-date information on women’s

mental health. This report on women’s health and well-being has not been revised since

2011, and the B.C. Green caucus will continue advocating for an update to this report

to create the most comprehensive and relevant mental health strategy.

Overall, we’re encouraged by the direction of this bill and look forward to supporting

its development, ensuring that all British Columbians can access the vital mental

health care services they deserve. Compiling existing services into an overall strategy

is important to pinpoint effectiveness and fill gaps.

We hope that this bill will serve as an example of much-needed, cross-party unity,

showing that we are not as divided as we might think when it comes to the mental well-being

of the people of this province.

[11:00 a.m.]

Amna Shah : I’m pleased to rise today to speak to this bill.

I want to begin by highlighting the importance and the feeling that we share with

members across the way — the importance of investing in perinatal and postnatal services

so that we can ensure better health outcomes for those who are pregnant, their infants

and their families.

I think, as a member prior noted, a very well-noted point is that the focus should

also be on families not just those who are pregnant, because the struggles are, in

some way, shape or form, shared.

It is clear to us that trauma-informed and evidence-based care is essential in supporting

healthy pregnancies while addressing the barriers that prevent many individuals from

seeking the medical and supportive services they need. In British Columbia, we have

a range of specialized services that are aimed at supporting the perinatal and postpartum

population, and we can do much more. There is always more to do.

The province has recognized that maternity and reproductive care is a ministry priority.

That is reflected in the ministerial mandate to improve the delivery of maternity

and reproductive care through targeted initiatives. We also acknowledge that more

needs to be done so people can receive timely and effective care, especially closer

to home while they’re surrounded by their loved ones. Often they do rely on their

loved ones to receive some of that support as well.

The Ministry of Health has taken significant steps to address those needs. We have

asked Perinatal Services B.C. to collaborate with partners across the province to

develop a refreshed maternity strategy. This strategy is designed to provide a clear

roadmap of actions that will be achievable, with a strong focus on perinatal and postnatal

mental health. We’re working to ensure that this roadmap is action-oriented and has

a lasting impact on the care and the services that are provided.

There have already been several actions taken to increase the availability of primary

care maternity services. One such initiative is the extension of the longitudinal

family physician incentives to family physician maternity providers. Additionally,

we have developed a primary care network, team-based care and resources like nurse

and practice programs, which are now available for maternity clinics across the province.

The implementation of primary care network core attributes and measurements is underway

right now to assess the availability of comprehensive services, including maternity

care. There are several maternity programs that have been launched through the Family

Practice Services Committee, including the maternity network and maternity care grant

programs.

A significant milestone was established, which was the perinatal substance use working

group, back in July 2024. This working group is comprised of representatives not just

from health authorities but also health sector partners and ministry delegates. Together

they’re focused on improving services for pregnant individuals and new parents who

are trying to navigate mental health and substance use concerns.

In addition to substance use treatment and recovery beds funded through health authorities

and the Canadian Mental Health Association, we have also created a suite of resources

that are designed to support parents and caregivers in promoting healthy infant and

child development. There are resources like the Baby’s Best Chance and Toddler’s First Steps , which are available through HealthLinkBC. These resources provide valuable evidence-based

These resources are designed in partnership with Perinatal Services B.C. This helps

ensure that all families have access to the most current guidance and support, because

we know that strategies have to fit with changing times, and we need to refresh as

regularly as we can.

[11:05 a.m.]

On the clinical front, Perinatal Services B.C. has taken several actions to improve

care for pregnant individuals and newborns. This includes providing standardized education

and guidance to health care providers, developing guidelines for culturally safe care

and coordinating neonatal intensive care unit beds to ensure that the most critical

cases are handled with the utmost care and attention.

In terms of mental health support, individuals that are experiencing peri- and postnatal

mood and anxiety issues have multiple avenues for help. Services are available through

primary care providers, through health authority–led mental health services and specialized

programs like those at B.C. Women’s Hospital, which offer comprehensive care for those

experiencing substance use and mental health challenges during pregnancy or postpartum.

There are also numerous community groups and non-profit organizations, like the Pacific

Post Partum Society, that provide peer support programs to those navigating postpartum

depression or anxiety. I think we all know the importance of seeking help and sharing

stories with those who have experienced much the same, because at times, as specialized

of a health care provider as you may be, that may not be enough for the human touch

that really is required to make positive differences in people’s lives.

HealthLinkBC and HelpStartsHere — they’re also excellent resources. The B.C. Women’s

Health Foundation has also launched a digital resource called postpartumcare.ca to

provide accessible support for individuals who are experiencing postpartum mental

health challenges.

We recognize that there is so much more work to do. While there is so much work that

is left to be done, the steps that have already been taken to improve perinatal mental

health and substance use services in British Columbia are a promising start. We’re

committed to continuing to build a system that not only addresses the needs of pregnant

mothers and their families but also ensures that everyone receives the timely, compassionate

care that they deserve.

Together we can create a stronger, healthier future for all of our families. This

is why I am so pleased to rise today to indicate to the members across that this is

just as important for everybody on this side of the House, which is why I appreciate

the member bringing this bill forward.

Claire Rattée : I rise today in strong support of Bill M204, the Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health

Strategy Act. I want to thank my colleague the member for Langley-Willowbrook for

bringing forward this incredibly important piece of legislation.

Often we talk about pregnancy and childbirth in terms of joy and excitement, but for

so many women, these experiences are also marked by anxiety, grief, trauma and profound

mental health struggles — struggles that are too often ignored, dismissed or left

unaddressed.

I know this firsthand. I have faced significant reproductive health challenges, struggled

with pregnancy for years and experienced the deep mental health impacts that come

with it, the uncertainty, the heartbreak and the overwhelming feeling of isolation.

I am far from alone in this. I have seen too many women around me — friends, colleagues,

family members — suffer in silence after pregnancy loss, postpartum depression or

the trauma of a complicated pregnancy.

My sister-in-law and our whole family recently grieved the tragic loss of her son,

my nephew, shortly after his birth. It was a devastating experience that I don’t know

she’ll ever fully recover from — not to mention the impacts on her young daughters,

the strain of having to come from up north in Kitimat to Vancouver for care, pulling

her young children out of school and all of the impacts that it’s had on our family.

I’ve witnessed the profound sorrow that follows, the waves of grief that don’t just

affect the mother but the entire family.

I’ve felt time and again the same frustration. Why is it so hard to access the support

that we need? Why do so many families feel like they have nowhere to turn?

The reality is this. Perinatal and postnatal mental health care in British Columbia

is inadequate, and families are suffering because of it. Right now women facing postpartum

depression, pregnancy loss or traumatic births are left to navigate a broken system

on their own. There are not enough specialized mental health supports. Wait times

are too long, and too often the stigma surrounding perinatal mental health leaves

women feeling ashamed or unheard.

[11:10 a.m.]

Bill M204 takes real, necessary steps to fix this. It will ensure universal access

to perinatal and postnatal mental health care; expand community-based services so

families can get help closer to home; provide grief counselling for parents experiencing

miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss; increase training for health care providers

so that women are not dismissed or ignored; combat stigma; and raise awareness of

perinatal mental health disorders. These should not be luxuries; they should be standard

care, yet right now too many women are left to suffer in silence.

This bill is about more than policy; it is about people’s lives. It is about ensuring

that no mother, father or family has to navigate this pain alone — that when parents

lose a child, when a mother is struggling after birth, when a family is drowning in

grief, they have somewhere to turn. This is an opportunity to take real action to

say unequivocally that perinatal and postnatal mental health matters. I urge every

member of this House to support this bill and take a stand for the health, well-being

and dignity of every parent and every child in British Columbia.

With respect, it seems as though the members opposite have spoken about this bill

and not actually said whether or not they support it, and I really would urge them

to support it. I understand that there are supports available right now for people,

but for people in my riding, specifically, there are not. I know far too many people

that have struggled to access that care. As I said, I myself have struggled to access

that care.

Many people in my riding don’t even have a primary care physician, so they don’t have

somebody to lean on during their pregnancy. They do not get access to the same supports

that people in the Lower Mainland are able to receive. Like I said, the financial

impacts, the emotional impacts and the impacts on the entire family, when people in

my riding constantly have to travel down to the Lower Mainland to receive any kind

of care or help through pregnancy, take a real toll on people.

I’ve watched people lose jobs over it, lose their rental property or the property

that they’re renting. I’ve even heard of people that have lost their mortgage over

it after long, extended stays.

This is something that desperately needs to be addressed, so I hope you would support

it.

Dana Lajeunesse : It’s my pleasure to speak to this bill today. There’s no denying the critical importance

of perinatal and postnatal care, particularly focusing on mental health and substance

use issues for women in British Columbia.

Obviously, it’s essential to recognize the profound impact these services have on

the well-being of mothers and their families. Maternity and reproductive care is a

priority for the ministry, as reflected in the ministerial mandate to improve the

delivery of these services across the province through targeted initiatives.

Over the past 20 years, the incidence rate of perinatal substance use in B.C. has

nearly doubled, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive support systems. Evidence

suggests that in 2020, rates of substance use among pregnant individuals in the northern

and interior regions were significantly higher when compared with the more urban areas.

As mentioned in the ministerial mandate letter, there’s more work to be done in these

areas.

Individuals experiencing peri/postnatal mood and anxiety disorders can access professional

supports through their primary care providers, urgent primary care centres and health

authority–led community mental health intake services. Specialized reproductive mental

health services are available through B.C. Women’s Hospital, Fraser health and Vancouver

Coastal health authorities, requiring a referral from a health care provider.

These services include assessment, treatment and referrals provided by a multidisciplinary

team on an outpatient or virtual basis. B.C. Women’s Hospital offers the families

in recovery program, providing specialized support to pregnant individuals and new

parents navigating mental health and substance use concerns.

[11:15 a.m.]

Currently there are 415 female-only substance use treatment and recovery beds funded

through health authorities and the Canadian Mental Health Association, with 69 beds

prioritizing pregnant women and 68 beds serving women with their children. As of August

2024, researchers identified 29 services specifically for pregnant individuals who

use substances in B.C., including live-in supportive housing facilities, wraparound

community programs and acute care programs.

However, there’s a notable disparity in the availability of specialized acute care

beds for perinatal substance use outside of Metro Vancouver, with only one bed available

in northern B.C. So again, the Ministry of Health recognizes there’s more that needs

to be done to address these issues so people are able to receive the care that they

need, where and when they need it.

Health care providers across B.C. have access to perinatal mental health and substance

use specialist consultations through the clinician-only RACE line and perinatal addiction

service from B.C. Women’s Hospital. The perinatal and newborn health hub provided

by Perinatal Services B.C. offers a clinical information resource system to make evidence-based,

up-to-date, perinatal and newborn health information easily accessible to all health

professionals from anywhere in B.C.

Community groups and not-for-profit organizations, such as the Pacific Post Partum

Support Society, provide in-person, telephone or text peer support programs for individuals

experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety. Reliable, B.C.-specific information

and resources are accessible through government sources like HealthLinkBC and HelpStartsHere.

Additionally, the Women’s Health Foundation, in collaboration with other partners,

recently launched a new digital resource, postpartumcare.ca, to support the public.

All that said, in conclusion, the merits of perinatal and postnatal care cannot be

overstated. By ensuring comprehensive mental health and substance use services for

peri- and postnatal women, we’re not only supporting the health and well-being of

mothers but also fostering healthier families and communities.

We understand that it is essential that we continue to prioritize and expand these

services to address the growing needs and disparities throughout British Columbia

so people can gain easy access to the services they need, where and when they need

them.

Anna Kindy : I wrote something to talk about today, but I’m actually going to go off script, just

listening to what’s happening. I think the realities are different from what we’re

hearing on the ground. I think this is such an important issue that we need to be

apolitical and actually look at what needs to change.

Talk is cheap, so when I hear about compassionate, timely care that’s evidence-based;

when I hear about programs and working groups; when I hear about culturally safe care

and when I hear, especially, about receiving the care when they need it and where

they need it, I want to talk about the reality on the ground, which is that it’s not

happening.

Right now in my community I come across women that are pregnant that have moved to

the community in their third trimester, and they cannot find primary care. They cannot

get into a clinic to see a nurse practitioner or a GP. That’s the reality.

How can we even assess for mental health issues, which are so important? If we screen

for mental health issues early, it changes the outcome, and 40 percent of patients

screened for depression end up doing well postpartum. We need to screen early, and

we’re not doing that.

[11:20 a.m.]

In terms of access to psychiatry, there are right now over 100 postings for jobs for

psychiatry in B.C. In my community, we cannot access out-patient psychiatric care.

If you can’t access a nurse practitioner, a GP, ob-gyn and you can’t even access psychiatric

care if you do have mental health issues, how can we say you’re receiving the care

you need, where and when you need it? It’s not happening on the ground.

If you do end up needing admission into psychiatric care, let’s say if you’ve delivered

a baby…. This doesn’t happen often. It’s maybe one to two patients in a thousand births

that women end up having a psychotic breakdown, which is actually a medical emergency.

It’s very rare, but it’s a medical emergency.

Right now if you try to access a psychiatric bed…. I’m not talking Women’s, because

you’re lucky if you end up at Women’s. Most of us don’t live in Vancouver. If you

try to access a psychiatric bed from my community, you will be held in emergency until

a bed becomes available, and we have no psych beds. Can you imagine being held in

emergency where there are stretchers in the hallway? Sometimes you actually have to

put them in what I call the padded room, because you can’t sedate them enough until

you can access a psychiatric bed.

Unfortunately, in rural communities, it comes as triage. We end up being last. If

you’re not from Vancouver or Victoria, good luck. Those are the realities. Please

let’s not talk about receiving the care they need, when they need it. It’s not happening,

and that’s a reality on the ground.

I think this bill is so important because it focuses light on this very important

issue. I think, with this, we need to be truly apolitical and vote for Bill M204,

which is the Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health Strategy Act, because that will

save us money. If we triage properly and treat properly, the outcome for mother, child

and family is so much better. The cost…. It saves the public health system money.

Let’s talk reality. I support this bill.

Sunita Dhir : I rise today to express my support for the principle of this bill during second reading.

The well-being of new and expectant parents, as well as their families, is a fundamental

priority for our government. We recognize that perinatal and postnatal mental health

is a critical aspect of maternity care, and I appreciate the intent of this legislation

to strengthen supports in this area.

As outlined, this bill proposes the development of a comprehensive strategy for perinatal

and postnatal mental health in British Columbia. This strategy must ensure universal

access to care, expand community-based services, increase awareness and reduce barriers

to care, while also promoting research and addressing the social determinants of health.

These are all objectives that align with the work already underway in our province.

The ministry’s 2025-26 mandate letter already directs us to improve the delivery of

maternity and reproductive care across the province. In support of this, we have made

significant strides in strengthening primary care, which plays a crucial role in perinatal

and postnatal mental health.

[11:25 a.m.]

This includes the expansion of the longitudinal family physician, LFP, payment model,

ensuring fair compensation for family doctors providing maternity and newborn care

in hospitals; on-call payments for facility-based maternity service providers through

the medical on-call availability program; the 2022-25 midwifery main agreement, which

introduces new contract options for midwives and lays the groundwork for an alternative

funding model similar to LFP; team-based care resources through primary care networks

and the nurse-in-practice program to increase maternity care capacity; funding various

maternity initiatives, including the maternity network, maternity care risk assessment,

maternity care for B.C. and the maternity care grant through the Family Practice Services

Committee; and supporting the maternity and babies advice line, MaBAL, a 24-7 virtual

support line for rural, remote and Indigenous primary care providers, offering maternal

and newborn care expertise.

Primary care networks are already advancing maternity and newborn service planning

and development, ensuring that more families across B.C. have access to the care they

need. Additionally, the ministry has prioritized culturally safe and trauma-informed

care, recognizing that these approaches are crucial in addressing perinatal and postnatal

mental health challenges.

Further, we are making progress in enhancing specialized perinatal and postnatal mental

health services. Individuals experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can

access professional support through primary care providers, urgent and primary care

centres and health authority–led community mental health services.

Specialized reproductive mental health services are available through the B.C. Women’s

Hospital and select regional health authorities, offering comprehensive assessment

and treatment through a multidisciplinary approach.

We have also made targeted investments in substance use services for perinatal individuals.

The families in recovery program at B.C. Women’s Hospital provides specialized support

for those navigating both mental health and substance use concerns. As of August 2024,

there are 29 services specifically designed for pregnant individuals who use substances,

including live-in supportive housing, wraparound community programs and acute care

beds.

However, we recognize that there’s more to be done to ensure equitable access across

all regions of the province.

Public access to mental health resources is another key priority. Community groups

and non-profit organizations such as the Pacific Post Partum Support Society offer

in-person, telephone and text-based peer support. Digital platforms, including postpartumcare.ca

and HealthLinkBC, provide individuals and families with reliable information on perinatal

and postnatal mental health care options. Additionally, the perinatal mental health

and substance use engagement network has been established to improve services by incorporating

the voices of those with lived experiences.

We understand that timely access to mental health care providers, increased availability

of training for health care workers and expanded community-based services are essential

components of a strong perinatal and postnatal mental health system.

That’s why Perinatal Services B.C. has developed the perinatal and newborn health

hub, a clinical resource system offering evidence-based guidelines for each stage

of pregnancy and newborn care. This hub ensures that health care professionals have

access to the latest best practices, including mental health support during the preconception,

pregnancy and postpartum periods.

Additionally, we have partnered with UBC to create training resources such as the

Not Just the Blues perinatal depression and anxiety online module, equipping providers

with the necessary tools to recognize, screen and treat perinatal mental health disorders

effectively.

While we acknowledge that further progress is needed, I want to emphasize that our

government is already actively working on these priorities.

[11:30 a.m.]

The principle of the proposed bill aligns with existing efforts to refresh our maternity

strategy, which is being led by Perinatal Services B.C. in collaboration with stakeholders

across the province. This strategy will include actionable steps to improve perinatal

and postnatal mental health services and ensure that all British Columbians receive

the care and support they deserve.

We also recognize the importance of ongoing consultation in this process. The voices

of perinatal and postnatal health care providers, mental health professionals, Indigenous

communities, advocacy organizations and individuals with lived experiences must be

at the forefront of shaping our approach. As we continue to refine and strengthen

our maternity care services, we remain committed to reducing stigma, increasing awareness

and improving access to compassionate, trauma-informed mental health support for new

and expectant parents.

In conclusion, I agree with the importance of perinatal and postnatal mental health.

Our government is committed to ensuring that the necessary supports are in place and

that the work already underway continues to build a stronger, more inclusive system

for all families in British Columbia.

Trevor Halford : I stand in full support of the bill put forward by my colleague the member for Langley-Willowbrook.

I don’t think there’s a member in this House who hasn’t been touched by the subject

that we’re talking about today, but I really do think that in this time we have here

today, we are missing one big opportunity. We really are. It’s not a political statement

I’m making. I say it with respect.

This is an absolutely critical issue, and we all know that. The fact is that some

of the resources that have been talked about today and listed off in a very mechanical

way are completely unavailable. They are, and that’s a fact.

It’s very difficult and challenging when you’re talking about a subject like this

and you’re listing off the things that have been announced and things like that, but

we know what the reality is. We’ve heard it. We hear it from front-line workers. More

importantly, we hear it from the people that it has impacted, and sometimes we don’t

hear it from them because it’s too late.

I’ve got three kids. I’ve got two boys, 16 and 15, and a daughter that is ten. That’s

one of the reasons I’m here, especially for that daughter that’s ten, because she’s

got a massive challenge in front of her, I think one that the 93 of us are focused

on making easier.

What I’m hearing today is: “Don’t worry about it; it’s under control.” It’s not. I’ll

tell you why it’s not under control, and I’ll tell you why I support the work that

my colleague from Langley-Willowbrook has done on this piece of legislation.

I live close to Peace Arch Hospital. Peace Arch Hospital experiences probably some

of the most diversions that we see in Fraser Health. In fact, it was shut down. I

stood out there and campaigned in protest to keep it open.

Now, you can imagine some of the difficulties that parents face, specifically that

mothers face, when they are working with their doctor, their family doctor, their

ob-gyn, and everything like that. They’re getting ready, and all of a sudden there’s

not the support they have at that hospital. They’re being diverted, whether it’s to

Langley, to Surrey Memorial or to Royal Columbian. This happens every single day at

Peace Arch Hospital. It does.

[11:35 a.m.]

Peace Arch Hospital is another example. We fundraised, through the Peace Arch Hospital

Foundation, for a mental health facility. It’s beautiful, but that facility sat empty

for a year because they couldn’t staff it. The example is that if somebody was going

in there to seek mental health support, those doors were locked. So they would have

to sit in an emergency room. I don’t think that’s adequate.

The previous speaker — I think this was in good faith and sincere — talked about timely

access. This is a subject that can’t wait. Timely access isn’t days; it’s not weeks;

it can’t be months. It’s minutes. It’s in real time. That access isn’t there. It’s

not. Whether it’s in Terrace; whether it’s in Kitimat, Prince George, Kelowna or on

the Island, like my previous colleague talked about; or whether it’s in White Rock,

Surrey or Langley, it’s not there.

For us, it’s good that we’re having this conversation. As a father, it’s good that

I’m up here having this conversation. But I can tell you the stories we encounter

of the trauma that’s been inflicted at our hospitals, not through the work of the

front-line workers…. They’re experiencing that trauma as well. When they’re trying

to provide the best possible care for an expectant mother and they don’t have the

resources to give that, it takes a toll on them. That’s happening every minute of

every day, at almost every hospital across this province. That’s a fact.

We can get up and we can have communications give us a list of stuff that we need

to come in here and read off, or we can actually have a conversation about what’s

going on and how we’re going to fix it. That’s the expectation my constituents have

of me. That’s the bar that the member for Langley-Willowbrook has set today. I think

we owe it to that — to have that conversation in a meaningful way.

I can tell you that when you have 42 percent of health care providers saying that

there’s no timely access to these supports, it’s a problem. I’ve known moms that have

struggled; I’ve known dads that have struggled. Not one of them has said that the

system worked for them. Fortunately, a lot of them have said their support system

worked for them. That’s very, very important. A lot of these stories we don’t know.

Some people in this House have experienced these stories. We don’t know.

When we have a piece of legislation like this put forward, we owe it to ourselves

to give it the respect it deserves. I know that we’ve revamped things. I’m not necessarily

sure that’s happening today. I think it’s a huge missed opportunity. I really do.

I’m not trying to be disrespectful when I say that.

At the end of the day, as a parent, as somebody that has experienced this issue firsthand,

I can tell you that what’s contained in this legislation is important stuff. It’s

well-thought-out. If there are improvements that can be made, let’s make them together.

We can do that. I think that’s what the expectation is. It’s not a political statement.

When the Premier got up after October 19 and said he was going to do things differently

— that he was going to work across the aisle, and he was going to find common ground

— this is it. This piece of legislation is it. Let’s do that.

I can tell you the hotlines and the other things are important, but they’re not working.

I don’t want to come here and pretend that they are. We need to make sure that we’re

providing support, not just for the parents but for the front-line workers as well

— and do it with consultation. That’s all contained in here.

[11:40 a.m.]

Again, I hope that as we continue this, we have thoughtful support, suggestions on

how we improve it and that we don’t go through this mechanical process of reading

off the list. I know how important this is to everybody in this House. I really do,

and I stress that.

I know that everybody has a story. They don’t need…. It’s up to them to share or not

share. It’s a very personal thing to do. But we owe it to everybody that sent us here

to give this stuff the importance that it needs.

Thank you for this opportunity, Madam Speaker.

Darlene Rotchford : I’d like to begin by acknowledging I am speaking today on the traditional territories

of the Esquimalt and Songhees peoples, and I want to express my gratitude to them

for allowing me to live, work and raise my family there.

I would also like to thank the member for bringing Bill M204, Perinatal and Postnatal

Mental Health Strategy Act, and I would hope that we all, at least in principle, support

this.

With over 42,000 births occurring in our province each year, ensuring access to mental

health support during and after pregnancy is a vital component of maternity care.

The Minister of Health’s mandate letter explicitly states that maternity and reproductive

care is a ministry priority. With a commitment to improving and delivering these services

across our province through targeted initiatives, our government is dedicated to advancing

this work.

I want to take a moment to share my personal experience, because I’ve heard lots of

people say: “You know, I’ve heard lots of personal experience.” I want to talk about

why prenatal mental health support is important to me.

In 2023, I began my journey to motherhood. From the outset, I was classified as a

geriatric pregnancy, which is hilarious — for anyone who knows, it’s someone over

34 — which meant I initially received the care I needed at a clinic in Victoria.

However, as my pregnancy progressed, I found myself without prenatal care. My husband

and I called every available provider, placed our names on multiple wait-lists and

pled for a spot. The process was exhausting, mentally and emotionally.

Eventually, though, we learned about what was called the “unattached clinic” at Victoria

General Hospital. now known as the prenatal clinic. This clinic — created through

collaboration with government, Island Health and advocates for prenatal care — was

a lifeline. Without their dedicated team, I would have not received the care I needed

at all. In fact, in December 2023, I was one of 32 people who had no prenatal care,

and they filled a vital hole. This government did that. They checked in regularly,

provided vital information and offered compassion and support to many others in similar

situations.

Throughout my pregnancy, though, I experienced emotional highs and lows. I questioned

my ability to be a mother and struggled with my identity, as someone, to be frank,

who spent many years of her life trying not to become a mother. For years, I had been

Darlene the health care worker; the person who worked in mental health and substance

use, who helped people; the municipal councillor; the Victoria Labour Council president;

the BCGEU activist; and my list can go on.

Suddenly, I was facing a reality of becoming just Darlene the mom, and that fear brought

on guilt, which only worsened my anxiety throughout my pregnancy. I knew many people

longed for motherhood, and that made me feel even more ashamed for struggling with

my emotions. Whether it was pride from working in mental health or simple stubbornness,

I resisted seeking counselling.

We’ve heard people in this House today talk about how there’s still stigma related

to this, but there is stigma — let’s be real — in mental health in general still,

and we’re still breaking down barriers. I can honestly say that without the support

I did have, I don’t know if I would have made it through those dark moments leading

up to my daughter’s birth.

Fast-forward to December 13. I was admitted to Victoria General to bring my daughter

Evie into this world. We are told, growing up, that childbirth is supposed to be this

beautiful and natural experience. Well, quite frankly, that’s not the case for everybody.

December 14 is a day of complicated emotions for me. After a long and difficult labour,

I required an emergency C-section, and this is where my trauma began. I had an adverse

reaction to the epidural, and my last memory before losing consciousness was feeling

as though I was seizing on an operating table and feeling cold.

[11:45 a.m.]

The anaesthesiologist reassured me, telling me to lean into it and that everything

was going to be okay, and that’s actually the last memory I have of my daughter’s

birth. I have no memory of her being born. Through photos that tell me it happened,

though…. To this day, I still struggle to look at those pictures without sadness,

as they bring me back to that moment.

When I regained consciousness, I was moved to the postpartum ward. My baby was taken

to NICU due to concerns about her blood sugars. That first night separated from her,

I can still remember sitting in that bed in the hospital with those overwhelming feelings,

hearing moms with their babies, and I had no idea what was going on.

I appreciate the men speaking up here today, because my husband also felt all these

same feelings. My husband and I were informed that our daughter was having seizures,

and the medical team, quite frankly, didn’t know why. Over the weekend, we learned

that she had HIE. It’s a very long term, so I’m not going to explain it, but it essentially

means she lost oxygen at birth.

The uncertainty of what this means for her future shattered me and my husband. On

Tuesday night, without my little girl, who had remained in NICU, I was sent home.

That night home alone, I woke up cold, crying and on the verge of a panic attack.

I knew I needed help. To some of our friends in this House’s point, it couldn’t wait.

Through Rosehip Midwifery, I was connected with a postpartum midwife named Rebecca.

She truly was an angel. When she came to my home to check on me, I broke down, admitting

for the first time that I was struggling. She informed me about a counsellor affiliated

with her services. Because it was covered under MSP, I was able to access the support

I desperately needed now.

That counsellor not only helped me process my birth trauma but also guided me through

my transition into motherhood and all the feelings that came with it. In the early

days, my husband and I had to recount our trauma experience repetitively during my

daughter’s medical birth. As the member said, it is hard to go back into the health

care system as a patient when you have had those struggles. But I knew I had my counsellor

to support me every time I was still struggling. I am deeply grateful for the support

I received.

Even now, following up with appointments sometimes still brings back memories. As

you can tell today, this never really goes away. You just learn how to cope. You rely

on the services that are there — the people in your little pod, I call them. Again,

as someone who came from the field of mental health and addiction, I am so grateful

to have the people I had at that time.

I rarely share my story, because as you can see, it’s difficult. But I share it today

because I know that other parents are still struggling. They need to hear that they’re

not alone, that supports are available. So even though I appreciate some of the opposition

being frustrated with us naming those supports, I hope that if someone’s listening

today, they will hear they’re there. I know it’s not perfect, and you often hear our

minister say: “We’re doing good work, but I know we still have work to do.”

Every day my little Evie grows into an amazing little girl. I hope one day, if she’s

watching this one or any of my other colleagues’ kids are watching this…. I want them

to know that people in this chamber work to ensure that those supports exist, not

just for my little girl, but for every child and parent who may need them. I want

her to know that despite everything, I would not change a thing, because it brought

her to me.

As we can all see, I’m expecting baby 2. Both sides of this House have been very sweet,

checking in — how’s it going? — because at the end of the day, we’re all here to support

British Columbians. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t anxious about returning to

the same hospital where I experienced this story, but I take comfort in knowing that

if I need support, they will be there.

Like I said, the Minister of Health has said we are making progress. We know there’s

more to do, not just because it’s a government mandate but because it’s the right

thing to do for people in British Columbia. I say this not only as someone who has

dedicated my career to mental health and substance use, with spending 18 years in

it, and not only as the MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood but as a mother.

Today I saw a really interesting quote on Facebook. That’s what we do in the morning

when we are on our way here. It says: “Look for something positive in each day, even

if some days, you have to look a little harder.”

[11:50 a.m.]

For the parents who are out there struggling, it’s going to be okay. Today might be

a hard day. If you got up and put your feet on the ground, that’s great. If you showered,

bonus, for any new parents who have all been down that road. I want you to know your

feelings are real, they are valid, and you are not alone.

Please remember, if you need help, to reach out — that it’s okay to reach out, that

the stigma needs to end in mental health for our people and our friends that need

prenatal and postpartum care. Support is available. I do recognize we have more work

to do, and each and every one of you deserves it.

Jody Toor : I just want to thank everyone that spoke on my debate today for Bill M204 and shared

their personal stories. I can see how difficult it can be to express and share their

true stories and stories of other family members. I want to thank each and every single

member.

[The Speaker in the chair.]

We spent this time talking about a critical issue, one that affects mothers, families

and communities across British Columbia. The reality is in the statistics: one in

five women experience prenatal and postnatal mental health struggles. Most don’t get

the help they need when they need it, like one of my colleagues mentioned, because

right now one million British Columbians don’t have access to a family physician.

When untreated, these challenges don’t just impact parents. They impact children,

partners and the entire family. The statistics are reflective of real people, about

mothers and parents struggling in silence, because they don’t know where to turn,

when to turn or because the help they need isn’t there when they need it the most.

Too often prenatal and postnatal mental health goes unrecognized or is treated as

secondary, something that can wait, something that isn’t as urgent as physical health.

But prenatal and postnatal mental health is health. We wouldn’t ignore a physical

health crisis in a new parent, so why do we let mental health go untreated?

This bill isn’t about recognizing the issues; it’s about taking real measurable steps

to fix them. I understand there is a lot of mental health support that’s already there,

and it’s been mentioned, but we need to take steps that fix the stigma, the fear of

getting the help — to remove barriers that stop parents from getting the help they

need. It makes mental health care part of prenatal where it belongs. It ensures long-term

accountability so that this issue isn’t ignored.

Right now too many parents fall through the cracks because of stigma, lack of awareness

and inaccurate resources, depending on where you live. This bill ensures that mental

health support is integrated, accessible and proactive, not just an afterthought.

When we support prenatal and postnatal mental health, we’re not just supporting mothers;

we’re supporting and strengthening families. We’re giving parents the tools they need

to navigate the challenges of early parenthood. We’re helping children grow up in

a stable, supportive environment where their caregivers are mentally well. We are

investing in the future well-being of our communities, because when mothers thrive,

our society thrives.

We can make sure no mother, no father and no family in British Columbia has to suffer

in silence again.

I introduced this bill because I’m a mother of two daughters. I understand how important

this matter is. I’ve gone through it myself. I introduced it because no mother should

ever have to feel alone in her struggles. No partner should feel like they have nowhere

to turn. No family should suffer because mental health care wasn’t available when

they needed it.

We have a chance to make a real difference today. That’s the urge that I have in wanting

the support of all of you for this bill, not just because it’s something that is personal

to me — I feel no mother and no father today or any day should be suffering — but

for families and the children of tomorrow.

The Speaker : Members, the question is second reading of Bill M204, intituled Perinatal and Postnatal

Mental Health Strategy Act.

Division has been called.

Members, pursuant to Standing Order 25, the division is deferred until 6 p.m. today.

Hon. Sheila Malcolmson moved adjournment of the House.

Motion approved.

The Speaker : This House stands adjourned until 1:30 p.m. today.

The House adjourned at 11:55 a.m.