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The head of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Saskatchewan branch says it is unfortunate that Dave Batters’ suicide was fodder for a political argument.

Though he has since apologized, former NDP employee and candidate Brian Sklar called out Senator Denise Batters in at least three social media comments on Wednesday, referencing her husband’s mental illness in each.

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All were to the effect that Batters is “only sitting in the Red Chamber because her husband, the MP, committed suicide.”

“Dave Batters’ suicide and any other suicides that have happened are just tragic circumstances,” said Phyllis O’Connor, executive director of Canadian Mental Health Association, Saskatchewan division.

“It’s just a tragic end to someone who is suffering from a mental health problem. … It’s very unfortunate when someone would use that in a political arena because that is just totally inappropriate.”