MDSC is pleased to see that one of the government’s main priorities for improving the health care system in Canada includes improving access to quality mental health and substance use services after yesterday’s First Ministers’ meeting. Their investment of 196.1 billion over the next 10 years, including over 40 billion in new funding will go a long way to making sure that our healthcare system is adequately prepared to deal with the mental health crisis facing many Canadians.
We applaud this investment, but we call on the government to specifically dedicate funding to community mental health organizations in Canada as part of any mental health funding to come. These organizations are consistently underfunded yet are at the frontlines of the mental health crisis and providing crucial supports and services that Canadians need, like support group counselling, psychotherapy and peer support. It is all well and good to commit funding for mental health care, but without making sure that these organizations can access the funds they need to operate, many will not be able to continue serving their patients.
We ask that the government ensure specific funding for community mental health organizations as part of any investments in mental health care and that everyone involved is held accountable for results.
About the Mood Disorders Society of Canada:
The Mood Disorders Society of Canada was launched in 2001 to provide people with mood disorders, their families and caregivers a strong, cohesive voice at the national level on issues relating to mental health and mental illness. With particular regard to depression, bipolar disorder and other associated mood disorders, the MDSC aims to improve access to treatment, inform research, shape program development and government policy to improve the quality of life for people affected by mood disorders.
