Community organizations jointly demand the end of the program Bailiffs, because it spreads prejudices about people who have mental health problems while making a show on people’s misery, they explain.
This program co-produced by Bell and broadcast on the Noovo channel shows the evictions of tenants, many of whom are experiencing psychological distress or have mental health problems, explains the social worker to PAL project, Anne-Marie Gallant. The organizations thus denounce the double discourse of Bell, who is also involved in a program to support the cause of mental health with Bell Let’s Talk.
“We think above all of the negative consequences of this show. It feeds the worst prejudices and reinforces received ideas about people in mental health situations. [précaire]. It is all the more shocking when the producer participates in a campaign to support mental health, ”explains the director general of the Association of intervention groups in defense of mental health rights in Quebec (AGIDD-SMQ) , Doris Provencher.
The social worker at PAL project, Anne-Marie Gallant, explains that the program Bell Let’s Talk is essential for the community mental health sector, which is underfunded, but which Bell must clearly position itself. “To be a credible actor, you can’t create harm on one side and try to improve things on the other, perpetuate stereotypes while fighting stigma. We can do the show Bailiffs or be a mental health champion. You can’t be both, you have to choose.
“We regret making a show TV with people’s misery.
Carole Lévis, from the Alternative Mental Health Resources Group of Quebec (RRASMQ)
“An eviction is often a condemnation to homelessness,” says Marion Duval, of the Regroupement des Comités Logement et Associations de Tenants du Québec (RCLALQ).
A online petition requesting an end to the show was forwarded to producer Bell. “In the midst of a pandemic, as more and more people are affected by the housing crisis and as collective mental health is weakened, we call for the end of the production and broadcasting of this program”, it is specified. .
Projet PAL is an alternative mental health resource in Montreal, which notably offers housing with community support.
