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432-01183 (Health)

Paper petition

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the House of Commons

We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:

Whereas, in Alberta, the unemployment rate for 25 to 29-year-old men who are actively seeking work, is twice that of similarly aged women, the second-largest gender gap in all the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries;

Whereas, men are three times more likely to commit suicide with suicide being the second leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 34;

Whereas, in a 2017 discussion paper, the Mental Health Commission described the connection between mental health and work stating, "Employment not only provides a paycheck, but also a sense of purpose, opportunities to learn and a chance to work with others";

Whereas, unemployment rates in Alberta have exceeded 10%, with the province having one of the highest unemployment rates in Canada; and

Whereas, unemployment, increased drug use, high suicide rates and economic instability have each negatively contributed to the well being and mental health of Albertan families.

Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:

1. Work with businesses, communities and the government of Alberta to help lower the unemployment rate;

2. Encourage and support community organizations, churches and families who help connect, support, and inspire men; and;

3. Quickly create the 988 national suicide hotline, which was unanimously adopted by the House of Commons on December 11, 2020.

Presented to the House of Commons
Michael Cooper (St. Albert—Edmonton)
June 21, 2021 (Petition No. 432-01183)
Photo - Michael Cooper
St. Albert—Edmonton
Conservative Caucus
Alberta

Only validated signatures are counted towards the total number of signatures.