Rare unanimous support for B.C. mental health bill

British Columbia’s politicians have discovered uncommon widespread floor and given unanimous assist within the legislature to a non-public member’s invoice proposing common entry to psychological well being look after pregnant ladies and new moms.

The Opposition BC Conservatives mentioned the proposal by caucus chair Jody Toor is the primary non-public member’s invoice to go second studying with unanimous assist in a recorded vote in 43 years.

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Invoice 204 would give the federal government a 12 months to create a method together with common entry to perinatal and postnatal psychological well being care.

Among the many 91 legislators who voted in favour on Monday have been these from the governing NDP, the BC Conservatives, the Greens and three insurgent former Conservatives who left the social gathering final week.

The BC Conservatives mentioned in an announcement that the broad assist for the invoice displays a shared dedication to addressing perinatal and postnatal psychological well being and guaranteeing no father or mother feels alone.

The invoice will nonetheless should be studied by a committee, then go third studying and obtain Royal Assent earlier than it may come into impact.

There are 93 seats within the legislature. The NDP’s Grace Lore has most cancers and has stepped away from her duties, whereas the social gathering’s Ravi Chouhan occupies the Speaker’s chair.