Harris' Calls for a Canadian Forces Support Centre Answered

HARRIS’ CALLS FOR A CANADIAN FORCES SUPPORT CENTRE ANSWERED

St. John’s – The Canadian Forces opened a Joint Personnel Support Unit yesterday in St. John’s, something MP Jack Harris (St. John’s East) has been calling for.

“Last March, when the initial eight of these centres were opened, I was concerned because Newfoundland and Labrador wasn’t one of the planned locations,” said Harris. “I immediately called on the Canadian Forces to open one in this province.”

Given the large number of Canadian Forces members who hail from Newfoundland and Labrador, Harris was concerned about how they would access the care they need.

“Our province’s contribution of Canadian Forces members in relation to our population size is quite significant,” said Harris. “Halifax is too far away for the type of comprehensive care required for both the physical and psychological injuries endured by these women and men.”

In May, the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence, of which Harris was a member, released a report on its study of the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Canadian Forces. The committee learned that one of the major reasons for the creation of these Joint Personnel Support Units was to initiate a more comprehensive approach to treating Operational Stress Injuries, such as PTSD.

“The need for accessible mental-health services for Canadian Forces members, including many reservists who serve overseas, is growing and this service now being available in St. John's is a welcome and needed addition," Harris concluded.