Making the Hill a mentally healthy place: the journey has begun to make it a bit more positive

I have a 15-year-old son named Jacob who has severe mental health issues as well as severe developmental disabilities that have resulted in a work/ life balance challenge for my family. For me, it is a privilege to be able to still be on the Hill. But Paul Wernick is right; it is not always easy.

Hill staffer Jennifer Hartley and her 15-year-old son named Jacob who has severe mental health issues as well as severe developmental disabilities. He comes to her work frequently in Liberal MP James Maloney's office and she says he's become a beacon of change on the Hill. 'From the cafeteria staff who love him and know exactly how to prepare food so he will actually eat it (he has food issues), to the PPS who have had to accommodate him countless times and in creative ways. They do so with class.'Photograph courtesy of Jennifer Hartley

Opinion

BY JENNIFER HARTLEY

July 2, 2018

PARLIAMENT HILL—It was with great interest that I read the story about Paul Wernick from last Monday's issue of The Hill Times. He raised many important issues. First of all, let me say how brave he is to have come forward with his mental health struggles. I would lik...

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