Canada’s first ever mental health strategy unveiled in Ottawa

OTTAWA – Canada now has its first ever mental health strategy.

The strategy has been in the works over the last four years and was unveiled Tuesday by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, which was set up by the federal government.

It comes out as people recognize mental health week across the country.

The blueprint comes with over a hundred recommendations.

The strategy is proposing sweeping changes to the way we deal with mental health.

Federal Health Minister Leona Agglukkaq says this will require a collaborative effort.

“Advancing mental health in Canada is work that will requires all levels of government, professionals, communities and work place individuals to work together,” she explained. “No single person, group or government will succeed on its own. We must promote awareness amongst all Canadians.”

The commission calls for better support systems in schools and workplaces to improve early intervention and the treatment of these illnesses.

President of the commission, Louise Bradley, said prevention is key.

“If we were able to reduce childhood disorders by ten per cent, it can save us billions of dollars,” said Bradley.

It also wants to see a two per cent increase in funding for mental health over 10 years, although there is no indication from the federal government it will commit to that.

Former Commission Chair, Michael Kirby, says this is a problem that touches the whole country.

“More Canadians suffer from mental illness than from cancer and heart disease combined,” said Kirby.

Mental health problems and illnesses cost Canada more than 50-billion dollars every year.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today