The Ontario government’s mandate letters noted mental health and addictions issues significant to CMHA Ontario’s interests of increasing adequate and appropriate accessibility and supports for people with lived experience. Among the most important issues addressed in the letters, released Sept. 23, were those pertaining to accessibility, the legalization of marijuana, the Youth Suicide Prevention Plan and the Police Services Act.
There is a call to connect and integrate the mental health and addictions systems for all patients, including children and youth, based on the recommendations made by the Mental Health and Addictions Leadership and Advisory Council, of which CMHA Ontario is a member. The mandate for children and youth also includes the Youth Suicide Prevention Plan, with particular emphasis being placed upon Indigenous youth and the provision of culturally specific supports.
In its new focus on accessibility, the government has committed to making Ontario fully accessible by 2025. There is a call for progressive steps to be made toward increased compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and enforcement of those laws. There will also be a continued focus on the reduction of poverty and a renewed investment in the Affordable Housing Program.
The Attorney General has been mandated to lead the development of a regulatory framework for the legalization of marijuana for recreational use, focused on the promotion of public health and safety, harm reduction and the protection of young people, in particular. There was also mention of the independent review of Ontario’s police oversight bodies, led by the Honourable Justice Michael H. Tulloch, on which CMHA Ontario has recently been consulted.
The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services has been mandated to introduce legislation in the spring of 2017 to modernize the Police Services Act. This will include the development of de-escalation options in police interactions with the public, which can often be people with mental health and addictions conditions. Continued efforts shall also be made in support of the Police Record Checks Reform Act, to ensure the protection of people’s privacy. CMHA Ontario continues to participate in and co-chair the Police Record Checks Coalition (PRCC), which will monitor the upcoming implementation of the Police Record Checks Reform Act.
For more information about the Ontario government’s mandate letters, read CMHA Ontario’s summary report.