My son, a youth in Ontario, is at profound risk. He can make life-altering decisions about his healthcare despite battling severe mental illness. Ontario's Child and Youth Mental Health Act permits children aged 12 and up to decide about their own healthcare, which is concerning when their mental health is unstable. The Act aims to protect our children, but can actually put them in grave danger.

This legislation has left me, along with thousands of other parents, helplessly watching while our children's health declines. As we try to advocate for their well-being, our voices drown under a law that could unintentionally harm them more than it protects. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, in 2019, an alarming 70% of mental health problems had their onset during childhood or adolescence. These statistics remind us of the urgent action required to protect these vulnerable segments of our society [Source: CMHA].

We're urging the Ontario government to review and amend the current laws concerning the child act and youth mental health act. Our plea is to implement legislation that safeguards our children by ensuring their mental health is sufficiently considered when they are to make decisions regarding their healthcare. Our children's lives depend on immediate action. Please sign this petition and let our children have a fighting chance for better futures.