GUELPH, ONT., MARCH 27, 2017—Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) is pleased to see funding to support military families, veterans and Canadians who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental illness in the federal government’s 2017 budget.
Among the commitments Finance Minister Bill Morneau outlined in the budget were:
- $17.5 million over four years to create a Centre of Excellence on PTSD and related mental health conditions, ensuring the Centre has the tools it needs to make a difference in veterans’ lives.
- $133.9 million over six years to create a new Education and Training Benefit. This benefit would provide more money for veterans to go to college, university or a technical school after they complete their service.
- $147.0 million over six years to expand access to the Military Family Resource Centres for the families of veterans medically released.
- $13.9 million over four years to establish a Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund that would support the creation of innovative services and support specifically tailored to improving the quality of life for veterans.
- An investment of $74.1 million over six years to support Career Transition Services. This funding will help equip veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, survivors, and veterans’ spouses and common-law partners with the supports they require to successfully transition to the civilian workforce.
- $5 billion over 10 years for mental health initiatives which will create better access to mental health care for Canadians.
These significant service and support improvements are exactly what the veterans stakeholder community has been asking for and will have a positive effect on the lives of veterans, their families and caregivers. MDSC congratulates the Government of Canada and supports these initiatives fully.
“Considering the societal, personal and economic toll of PTSD, investing in a comprehensive program to provide early diagnosis and treatment of PTSD is a prudent use of public funds that will save significant health care and societal costs and significantly enhance the quality of life of those suffering from PTSD, their families and caregivers,” says Phil Upshall, MDSC national executive director. “MDSC is very encouraged to see the federal government’s recognition of the importance of addressing PTSD and mental illness. We look forward to working with the federal government on these important issues.”
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For more information
Phil Upshall, MDSC National Executive Director
About the Mood Disorders Society of Canada
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, 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. The Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) has evolved to become one of Canada’s best-connected mental health NGOs with a demonstrated track record for forging and maintaining meaningful and sustained partnerships with the public, private and non-profit sectors throughout Canada.
