Mental health is health: it’s time we act like it

No more rhetoric. We need urgent action from the federal government now to ensure no one who needs mental health and substance use care and support is left out or left behind.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, pictured. The Liberal government has recognized the importance of the issue. In its platform for the 2021 election, they committed to establishing permanent, ongoing funding for mental health services under the Canada Mental Health Transfer, with an initial investment of $4.5-billion over five years. It is vital that this money be included in the federal government's 2023 budget.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY PAUL-ÉMILE CLOUTIER

October 3, 2022

The availability and accessibility of mental health and substance use services across Canada was severely limited before COVID, but the pandemic has been the equivalent of pouring gasoline on a fire. Mental health needs have exploded during the pandemic, a situation that requires urgent action by th...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

A round up of the past weekâ€™s opinion writers and columnists on Saturdays and Sundays.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy