Statement from Senator Kim Pate

“Although it is important that the new report makes findings consistent with the evidence, in my humble opinion, it is reprehensible that these findings are only being made now. What Soli’s family, what Ashley Smith’s and Christina Jahn’s families and all of us now need is to see the findings result in transparent and demonstrable changes in law, policy and practice. We need to see robust community based mental health services and a prohibition on the criminalization and incarceration of those suffering with disabling mental health issues.”  Kim Pate, Canadian Senator and Former  Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies