In it, Khaliq critiques the Liberal government, which she says has failed to deliver on its election promise to make mental health a priority across Canada. For her, the 2022 budget was a missed opportunity to bring change in communities where mental health services are desperately needed.
“The incidence of mental health problems is staggering. Prior to COVID, it was reported that one in five Canadians experience a mental illness or mental health problem at some point in their lives. These figures have become significantly worse since the onset of the pandemic.” says Khaliq.
Khaliq’s article was based on a parliamentary brief she wrote for a feminist law reform class last fall taught by Professor Martha Jackman.
Khaliq says the Canada Mental Health Transfer program, promised in the 2021 election campaign, could have brought about change in communities where mental health services are desperately needed.
Prior to law school, Khaliq worked as a pharmacist, primarily in the hospital setting, doing direct patient care. She also participated in research and published articles.
“I have a strong interest in mental health law and hope that our new minister will start to make some important changes. The health-care system is truly suffering, especially in comparison to when I began working in it. And mental health coverage is beyond inadequate,” Khaliq shared.