LAUREL HOUSE LEG RALLY
6 months has passed since the occupation of Laurel House, a drop-in centre for people suffering from mental illness, stopped the BC government from closing its doors. Next week the Vancouver Island Health Authority will shut the doors, claiming there are no alternatives. Recently the Mayor of Victoria released a report that called for more community outreach programs to help people suffering with mental illness. This report concluded that mental illeness, homelessness, and drug addition must be addressed in unison. This report was put out by the Task Force on Homelessness, Mental Health, and Drug Addiction which included representatives from the Vancouver Island Health Authority which is closing Laurel House. A rally at the BC legislature echoes the feeling that this valuable community resource helps to keep people off the streets. BC NDP leader Carole James speaks along with several MLAs, a few of the Laurel House members, and esteemed Psychiatrist Dr. McMaster.
