Minister Steven Blaney Addresses Tri-National Military Mental Health Symposium in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today addressed delegates at the Tri-National Military Mental Health Symposium, held at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Representatives from the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada are discussing opportunities for collaboration between public and private sectors to promote awareness of military mental health issues and share research findings.

"Our Government is working hard to break down the walls surrounding the topic of mental illness, and is working to ensure that Veterans with military-related mental health issues and their families receive the support they need when they need it," said Minister Blaney.

Veterans, men and women in uniform, government, businesses, foundations and non-profit organizations from all three countries are represented at the two-day symposium. Serving as a launching point for a multi-national dialogue on how to address common and diverse military mental health issues and challenges faced by all nations, the symposium also includes a discussion around the stigma that surrounds mental illness, particularly for the many men and women in uniform hesitant to come forward for fear of being labeled or ridiculed.

"Our Government welcomes opportunities for nations to share their experiences in providing mental health services and care to Veterans," said Minister Blaney. "We are eager to further develop research links with international partners to share mental health research findings and explore future promising research avenues."

The symposium is hosted by the True Patriot Love Foundation, a citizen-led Canadian foundation that supports and honours members of the Canadian Military and their families.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada