Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) wishes to take this opportunity to commend the federal government for recognizing mental health as a priority and for the innovative funding allocations, it announced to address mental illness and support Canadians in this crucial time.

“MDSC is very pleased to see the federal government announce key investments that, we are very confident, will have significant positive impact and benefits for all Canadians”, said Dave Gallson, MDSC National Executive Director. “Particularly in this time of Covid, we are very aware of the increased need to support the mental health of all Canadians as levels of depression, anxiety and work-related psychological stress have never been as high as they are now”.

It is well known that mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and PTSD are the number one cause of disability in Canada[1] and cost the Canadian economy in excess of $51 billion dollars annually. Mental health issues cut across numerous national issues and priorities including diversity and inclusion, women’s rights and economic participation, immigration, veterans and military, youth and seniors health, and Indigenous health. It is essential to approach this issue through the lens of patients, persons with lived experience, their caregivers and families.

We are encouraged to see the following budget announcements;

  • $100 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to the Public Health Agency of Canada to support projects for innovative mental health interventions for populations disproportionately impacted by COVID 19, including health care workers, front-line workers, youth, seniors, Indigenous people, and racialized and Black Canadians
  • $50 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to Health Canada to support a trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stream of mental health programming for populations at high risk of experiencing COVID-19 trauma and those exposed to various trauma brought about by COVID-19
  • $62 million, in 2021-22, to Health Canada for the Wellness Together Canada portal so that it can continue to provide Canadians with tools and services to support mental health and well-being
  • Continued funding for the Kids Help Line extended into 2021-22
  • Public Health Agency of Canada is continuing to work with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and partners to implement and sustain an expanded pan-Canadian suicide prevention service
  • CRTC regulatory proceeding to consult on a proposed three-digit hotline so Canadians have a memorable number they can call when they need help

As two MDSC national mental health care surveys clearly indicated, mental health care is varied in different regions and many Canadians clearly indicate they are not receiving the services they desperately need in a timely manner. MDSC is satisfied to see the federal government move forward on establishing national mental health standards to improve service outcomes:

  • Budget 2021 proposes to provide $45 million over two years to help develop national mental health service standards, in collaboration with provinces and territories, health organizations, and key stakeholders

Our Veterans have placed their lives on the line for our country. Providing care to Veterans must be a priority for all Canadians.  MDSC is extremely happy to see targeted support for Veterans including;

  • Budget 2021 proposes to provide $140 million over five years starting in 2021-22, and $6 million ongoing, to Veterans Affairs Canada, for a program that would cover the mental health care costs of veterans with PTSD, depressive, or anxiety disorders while their disability benefit application is being processed
  • $15 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to Veterans Affairs Canada to expand and enhance the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund for projects that will support veterans during the post-COVID-19 recovery, including addressing homelessness, employment, retraining, and health challenges. As an organization that works with this program, MDSC sees first hand the significant initiatives and supports being provided for veterans
  • $45 million over two years, beginning in 2022-23, to pilot a program aimed at reducing veteran homelessness through the provision of rent supplements and wrap-around services for homeless veterans such as counselling, addiction treatment, and help to find a job

MDSC is extremely pleased to see the federal government’s strong support of Indigenous communities with a new investment of over $18 billion over the next five years, to improve the quality of life and create new opportunities for people living in Indigenous communities. Including:

  • $597.6 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, for a distinctions-based mental health and wellness strategy with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation
  • $103.8 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, for a new Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative to support Indigenous communities to develop more holistic community-based safety and wellness models
  • $126.7 million over three years, beginning in 2021-22, to take action to foster health systems free from racism and discrimination where Indigenous peoples are respected and safe. This funding will support patient advocates, health system navigators, and cultural safety training for medical professionals
  • $12.5 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $2.5 million ongoing, to support the well-being of families and survivors through project-based programming in collaboration with the National Family and Survivors Circle

Many who have mental illness experience higher rates of homelessness. Housing is a key factor in one’s mental health. Those Canadians who are facing housing problems are at higher risk of mental health problems. Safe, affordable housing is a key part of supporting those who are living with mental illness and a core part of recovery. We are pleased to see the funding announcement to address those who are struggling with housing.

  • $567 million over two years, beginning in 2022-23, to address Canadians experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity matching similar funding for this fiscal year.

Additionally, non-profits and charitable organizations are a foundational part of all communities, providing key services to so many Canadians. These organizations have been front and centre in the covid response, and we have seen how they have been asked to do more with less. MDSC is pleased to see the following announcement;

  • $400 million in 2021-22 to create a temporary Community Services Recovery Fund to help charities and non-profits adapt and modernize so they can better support the economic recovery in our communities

We are enthusiastic to see these important programs and initiatives move forward. MDSC looks forward to working collaboratively and supporting success for these programs with government departments, health care providers, organizations and stakeholders, and most importantly, persons impacted by a mental illness and all those working hard to improve our mental health.

For further information MDSC Media Relations (613) 921-5565,  info@mdsc.ca

About MDSC

The Mood Disorders Society of Canada has grown out of the vision and drive of a number of persons with directly lived experience leaders from across Canada who in 1995 saw the need for a broad-based structure to bring PWLE together and who believe that we have a key role to play with regard to education and advocacy at the national level. The Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) has evolved to become one of Canada’s best-connected mental health Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) with a demonstrated track record for forging and maintaining meaningful and sustained partnerships with the public, private and non-profit sectors throughout Canada.

It was formally launched and incorporated in 2001 with the overall objective of providing people with mood disorders with a strong, cohesive voice at the national level to improve access to treatment, inform research, and shape program development and government policies with the goal of improving the quality of life for people affected by mood disorders.

[1] Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (2015). Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, 2013. Data retrieved from http://www.healthdata.org/data-visualization/gbd-compare.