Bonnie Bricker calls for mental health overhaul in Manitoba

A mother's pleas for a mental health overhaul in Manitoba were heard during question period at the legislature on Thursday.

Bonnie Bricker was at the legislature while Liberal MLA Jon Gerrard called for a change in the legislation to ensure that Manitoba laws ensure families and caregivers are notified when a person is having mental distress.

"This is not a new problem," Bricker said. "This is an old problem that we need to address now."

Her son, Reid, went missing one year ago this week and his death was confirmed in August. Prior to his disappearance, Reid had attempted suicide three times in 10 days and went to the hospital for help but his family was not notified.

"I think it's very important that we are allowing families to be more involved, that we are engaging families," Gerrard said after question period.

Gerrard also called for more employment of peer support, where a trained worker or volunteer with their own experience with mental health issues assists others.

Minister of Health Kelvin Goertzen responded that the government has committed to "having a review of mental health and addictions and one of the components that will be looked at is peer support."

He added that the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) up for review and he has connected with Bricker to talk about how the legislation can be reviewed.

Bricker said PHIA has to have simple language with specific directions so when a person is in crisis their circle of care — family, friends, immediate care givers — are contacted.

"Our case is not unusual, it has become the norm," she said.

"Since Reid passed away there have been at least three or four other families in similar situations who have come up against PHIA and not been able to get the help for their loved one which has resulted in suicide."