A new report from the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) notes that Canada’s total health spending for mental health care is well below that of its G-8 peers.
The report, Strengthening the Case for Investing in Canada’s Mental Health System: Economic Considerations (2017) notes that in 2015, the estimated $15.8 billion spent by the public and private sectors for mental health care represents just 7.2% of Canada’s total health spending ($219.1 billion), compared to with England’s National Health Service for example, spending 13 %. In addition, according to the 2012 Community Health Survey an estimated 1.6 million Canadians reported that their need for mental health care was only partially met or not met at all. This indicates that current spending on mental health services is not adequately meeting the needs of Canadians.
Outlining broad and substantial research evidence, the report reiterates the importance of directing funds to mental health, and makes a “win-win” proposition that spending on mental health is an investment in our nation’s “mental wealth,” rather than a drain on the public purse.
The Mental Health Strategy for Canada recommends a two-percentage point increase in each province and territories’ health and social spending for mental health, which would require spending $4 billion more per year on mental health care than was spent in 2015.
More information and to read the full report, visit the MHCC’s website.