Sugar beet farming (Photo Courtesy of Mark Lumley)

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One of the largest employers in Sarnia-Lambton is now being given the tools to deal with mental health issues.

Earlier this month, the Ontario Tories launched a public awareness campaign aimed at helping farmers remove the long held stigma.

Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey said if you’re a farmer facing mental health challenges, you’re certainly not alone.

“I think farming at any time is a tough business and that takes a toll on farmers and their families,” said Bailey. “They’re pretty self-reliant and they wouldn’t be in that business if they weren’t. But especially this year with the vomitoxin in the corn, it’s definitely caused a lot of pressure over and above the regular strain on farming.”

Bailey said the initiative encourages farmers to reach out to the available resources and to not be ashamed or intimidated about improving their mental health.

“I think the roundtables are helping to remove the stigma and support hopefulness,” said Bailey. “It gives farmers someone to talk to with the phone lines and other opportunities available.”

The initiative is part of the Conservative Government’s $3.8 billion commitment over the next 10 years to develop and implement a comprehensive and connected mental health and addictions strategy.