Editorial
Work boots, high heels or running shoes.
If you were the federal finance minister, what kind of footwear would you buy before tabling the budget?
In this bizarre, long-standing tradition, Chrystia Freeland chose black leather pumps this year to represent the budget. Not sure what kind of statement that conveys . . . fashionable progress? What, no Gene Simmons KISS boots to rock the house?
All silliness aside, the Liberals have announced a $500 million fund to help youth with their mental health needs. This is one of the more promising details in last week’s budget, which has nothing to do with fancy footwear.
Sadly, many of our youth struggle with mental health issues that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bullying, self-harm, violence, and depression plagued these kids who felt they had nowhere to turn for help.
Fifteen-year-old Ethan Crumbley from Michigan thought he was at the end of the road when he shot and killed four students at his school in 2021. His journal revealed that his psychological problems caused the Oxford High shooting, adding that he couldn’t get help, especially from his parents who “don’t listen to me.”
In the precedent-setting case, Crumbley’s parents were sentenced to 10 years in prison for what they didn’t do to prevent the tragedy. James and Jennifer Crumbley were reportedly the first parents in the US to be convicted in a mass school shooting.
Although the couple denied any culpability, the court heard they did not act appropriately to their son’s deteriorating mental state. For example, they were accused of not securing a handgun they bought for Ethan as a gift, and for not acting (taking him home) when shown a class drawing he made on the day of the shooting depicting a gun and a wounded character. Later on he pulled the gun out of his backpack and starting shooting students. Ethan continues to serve a life sentence.
It appears that all of the tell-tale signs were there, but nobody noticed; they didn’t even check his backpack on that fateful day.
While gun laws are much stricter in Canada, it doesn’t change the fact that mental health problems are tormenting our children, some to the breaking point. That’s why this new funding will help stop the anguish.
In the meantime, parents can continue supporting their children by telling them how much they are loved and watching for signs of mental deterioration. Youth need to know they are not alone and that there is always help on their darkest of days.
For those suffering, Canada’s suicide crisis helpline is 9-8-8.
Lyonel Doherty, editor
