‘We will be facing a financial cliff’: advocates concerned about mental health and substance use programs as bilaterals begin to lapse in 2027

The 2025 budget didn’t include any new funding for these areas as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals continue to rely on bilateral agreements negotiated by the previous government.

Health Minister Marjorie Michel has emphasized in her public comments that mental health is a priority for her, but that did not result in any new funding for that or programs connected to the toxic drug crisis. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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BY TESSIE SANCI

November 17, 2025

With some federal funding for mental health and addictions programs lapsing next fiscal year—and other related cash barely being applied to help with provincial and territorial efforts—organizations and the NDP’s health critic say the absence of any new money in the 20...

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