Letter dated May 27, 2024 from Mayor Alto, City of Victoria, Re: Bill C-277 - National Strategy on Brain Injuries Act

May 27, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing you today on behalf of Victoria City Council to inform you that the below motion was passed at the February 8, 2024 council meeting:

1. That Council endorse the content of, and supports, the federal private member’s Bill C-277 – National Strategy on Brain Injuries Act.
2. That Council requests the mayor to write to other municipalities in BC urging them to endorse the content of, and support, the federal private member’s Bill C-277 – National Strategy on Brain Injuries Act, and express that support to their local Members of Parliament, provincial MLAs, and municipal council members.
3. That Council request the mayor to write to MP Alistair MacGregor, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, federal Minister of Health Mark Holland, and Victoria MP Laurel Collins, noting the City of Victoria’s support for Bill C-277 – National Strategy on Brain Injuries Act.
4. That Council forward this matter to the daytime Council meeting of February 8, 2024, and should it be approved, that Council forward the Background of this Council Member Motion and sections one (1) and two (2) of this Resolution to the executive of the FCM for consideration at their 2024 annual meeting, and to the upcoming 2024 AVICC conference, formatted for consideration by that body as a resolution at that conference.

The prevalence of acquired brain injuries is concerning across B.C. and Canada, yet proper information sharing and overall collaborative efforts to support those suffering from these conditions and their caregivers is inadequate.

The federal private member’s Bill C-277 – National Strategy on Brain Injuries Act, aims to change these discrepancies with achievable suggestions. My Council urges you and your constituents to endorse the content in this proposed bill.

Acquired Brain Injuries (traumatic and non-traumatic) are often referred to as invisible injuries, they affect over 1.5 million Canadians, with a staggering sixty people in British Columbia acquiring a brain injury daily. The intersectionality of brain injury, mental health and substance abuse often serves as a catalyst for homelessness, incarceration, violence and suicide.

People battling these injuries deserve the research, commitment and lifelong support that other medical illnesses have.

Thank you in advance for your attention on this important matter.

Sincerely,

Marianne Alto Victoria Mayor