Marie-Claude Morin
PoliticianCanada
Marie-Claude Morin is a Canadian former politician who represented Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot in the House of Commons from 2011 to 2015 as a New Democratic Party MP. During her term, she served as chair of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. [2]
Career and work
Before entering federal politics, Morin worked in community development. She was elected to the House of Commons in 2011 as the New Democratic MP for Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot. [2][1]
In Parliament, she served on committees including Public Safety and National Security, Status of Women, and Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. [2]
What has been publicly discussed
- Morin was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder in 2013 after a significant episode that led her to step away from parliamentary duties for about six months. She publicly disclosed the diagnosis in October 2013 shortly before returning to Ottawa. [1][3]
- She said she chose to speak openly in part to show other people with the condition that it was possible to regain a normal life. [1]
- Morin has said that finding the right medication dosage was important to stabilizing her health after her 2013 episode. She also credited support from her family and parliamentary team during this period. [3]
- After disclosing her diagnosis, Morin used her position in Parliament to speak against stigma surrounding mental illness. In 2014, she said that some people with mental-health problems still felt ashamed because of continuing discrimination, and explained that this was why she supported organizations working to break down taboos and help people be heard and supported. [5]
“Je le dis également pour les autres personnes qui ont ce problème afin de leur démontrer qu'il est possible de retrouver une vie normale.”
— Marie-Claude Morin [1]
Sources and other resourcesExpand to view the sources used in this profile and resources to learn more.
Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
Journal Mobiles“Je suis bipolaire” Interview supporting Morin's bipolar II disorder disclosure, absence from Parliament, return to work and reasons for speaking publicly.
Marie-Claude Morin — House of Commons of Canada Official parliamentary record documenting her service and committee roles.
Le Courrier de Saint-Hyacinthe (2013), reproduced by SRAADD“Marie-Claude Morin lève le voile sur sa bipolarité” Interview supporting the diagnosis, medication adjustment, three months of stability and family and workplace support.
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Journal Mobiles“Marie-Claude Morin abdique pour l'élection 2015” Reports Morin's statement that her bipolar disorder was stabilized and that she was in good health.
Marie-Claude Morin — Open Parliament parliamentary record Contains Morin's 2014 House of Commons statement about shame, discrimination and organizations working to break mental-health taboos.
Learn more
Recommended books and other resources about Marie-Claude Morin and their experiences.