The following is a statement from Camille Quenneville, CEO of Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario in reaction to today’s provincial budget.
“Our organization aims to help people get the right mental health care, where they live and when they need it,” Quenneville said.
“We appreciate the government is facing budget restraints, however, the lack of increased funding to our sector is devastating to those waiting for supportive housing and mental health and addictions services.”
“The burden of mental illnesses and addictions in Ontario is more than 1.5 times the burden of all cancers, and seven times the burden of all infectious diseases. But mental health is not funded anywhere close to physical health. Not only does this increase stigma, it has a dramatic impact on the lives of those we serve.”