By Canadian Press

Health advocacy work helped to heal Mark Holland during mental health crisis

Aug 8, 2023 | 11:29 AM

OTTAWA — Newly appointed Health Minister Mark Holland says advocating for health research and preventive medicine gave him a sense of purpose during the darkest time in his life.

Holland was in politics for most of his career, except for a four-year break after he lost his seat in 2011.

He spoke candidly last fall about the mental-health struggle he endured at that time, revealing during a committee appearance that he had tried to take his own life.

He started working for Heart & Stroke after his election loss and he says that his work for the foundation in health promotion gave him a much-needed sense of professional purpose after politics.

He says he developed a passion for the power of preventive medicine, which helped him improve his mental well-being before his successful return to federal politics in 2015.

charges pending

Red Deer RCMP arrest two individuals following ramming of police vehicle

2h ago

Riverside Drive & southbound 67 Street

Red Deer temporary road closure of street ramp on Saturday

3h ago

breach

Town of Ponoka gives cybersecurity update: investigation ongoing

3h ago

The return of Parliament will bring the new health minister an exceptionally busy fall, as he’s expected to complete negotiations on new health-funding accords, launch a massive federal dental-care program and introduce legislation to define the government’s approach to pharmacare.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 8, 2023.

The Canadian Press