To recap, Madi’s Law is petition number 441-01652 (Health) in the House of Commons. It was presented to the House of Commons by MP Valerie Bradford (Kitchener South-Hespeler) on September 21st, 2023 and the Government Response tabled November 3rd, 2023. A written petition with signatures was used for The House of Commons as change.org petitions are not recognized in the House of Commons. The petition on change.org is used to raise awareness and let the Government know people are supporting and watching. 

I now need this petition made into a bill and I need someone to support this bill. This someone has to be a private member of parliament or the government. Please note that I am an advocate and although we need the government (this is how we pass laws in Canada) it represents all Canadians. I need someone in position of power to line up with Madi’s Law in principle and get it to the next level. So far that has not happened, but I am trying.  

According to antidepressantrisks.org With over 100 million people worldwide on antidepressants (and this is just one class of drugs that can trigger suicide) a significant number of people are becoming suicidal as a direct result of medication. It’s a reasonable request to ask that people starting psychotropic drugs have the added protection of a caregiver to monitor for adverse reactions until it’s deemed safe. 

Also from antidepressantrisks.org “Clinical trial data shows that for at least 2%-5% per cent of people, Antidepressants can have a paradoxical effect and cause people to become suicidal – this even applies to healthy volunteers. “ This means that 2-5 million people worldwide can become suicidal. If Canada passes Madi’s Law it can set an example to the world. Think of how many lives can be saved. I need a brave private member of parliament or government to have the courage to line up in principle with Madi’s Law. 

Prevention is the way to go. Prevent the harm and deaths. Give families and loved ones a chance to participate in helping vulnerable people seeking mental health help. Patients will be counselled properly with a second set of ears.

We’re not alone in this world. We need to lean on each other. We need to send a message, “enough is enough”. We won’t allow our family members, our friends, our neighbours, our loved ones to be treated in such a reckless, careless manner when there’s a solution. If a patient in Canada is prescribed a psychotropic drug for the first time they deserve to be monitored by a caregiver until it’s deemed safe. Most patients try 3 or 4 types of antidepressants before they find the right one or they decide it’s not for them. No one needs to die when prevention is possible. Please support Madi’s Law. 

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. -Ralph Waldorf