MLA Jody Toor’s Perinatal Mental Health Bill Passes Final Vote Bill M204 to Become Law
Victoria, BC – In a landmark moment for families across the province, Bill M 204 – The Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health Strategy Act, introduced by Langley–Willowbrook MLA Jody Toor, has officially passed its final vote in the B.C. Legislature and is now headed to Royal Assent.
The legislation, which mandates the development of a provincial strategy to support mental health during and after pregnancy, received unanimous support at all stages. In a rare show of legislative momentum, the bill passed report stage and third reading on the same day, before securing its final vote Monday evening with cross-party backing.
“This is a moment of hope for families across British Columbia,” said Toor. “With this bill moving to Royal Assent, we are one step closer to building a system that treats perinatal mental health not as an afterthought, but as essential care.”
Bill M 204 will require the Minister of Health to develop and publicly table a provincial strategy to support mental health during and after pregnancy. The strategy will include timely access to services, culturally safe and trauma-informed care, provider training, and grief counselling for pregnancy loss.
“This bill reflects the voices of parents, providers, and advocates who have been calling for real change,” Toor said. “I’m proud to have carried their stories into the Legislature, and prouder still to see this bill move forward with unanimous support.”
Once granted Royal Assent, the legislation will become law and initiate a one-year timeline for the strategy’s development.
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