The Alberta NDP are calling on the UCP to implement a 24/7 mental health crisis phone line specifically for Albertans in the agriculture industry. The NDP are also renewing their proposal for the UCP to provide five insured mental health sessions for all Albertans.
NDP Agriculture Critic Heather Sweet has heard directly from producers and ranchers about how the drought has impacted them. Sweet says “This has been a difficult season in the agriculture sector, which is why the UCP needs to implement practical and strategic policies to support the industry. The government must also acknowledge the toll on mental health taking place and support the mental health of farmers. Alberta producers and ranchers are facing an incredibly challenging year as ranchers consider culling their herds and crop producers decide if harvesting their crop is even worthwhile given the low yields. Supporting mental health is always important and it is clear that this year’s challenges warrant more and quicker action.”
There is a national charity known as the Do More Agriculture Foundation addressing mental health in agriculture across the country. The foundation has multiple initiatives and workshops to help address mental health in farm workers. DMAF is currently working on a mental health crisis line known as AgTalk.
-Calvin Hector, Trending 55 Newsroom
