Poverty has a devastating impact on quality of life and compromises one’s ability to secure stabilizing resources needed to maintain positive mental health. Moreso, people with serious mental illness are disproportionately affected by poverty. In this report CMHA Ontario recommends a comprehensive and coordinated set of strategies to address poverty and support the recovery of […]Continue readingStrategies for Reducing Poverty in Ontario
Policy Papers
Conducted Energy Weapons (Tasers)
Conducted Energy Weapons (commonly known as Tasers) are one of several use-of-force weapons that police may use to subdue or restrain an individual. CMHA Ontario is concerned about the use and safety of Tasers, as well as the propensity of law enforcement officials to deploy them on people experiencing a mental health crisis. This paper […]Continue readingConducted Energy Weapons (Tasers)
Mental Health Police Records Check Coalition Submission to the Ontario Human Rights Commission
The Mental Health Police Records Check Coalition appreciates that the Ontario Human Rights Commission has recognized the negative impact of current police record check practices. However, we believe that more substantive change is needed in order to ensure that all Ontarians’ right are protected when disclosing information concerning non-criminal contact with the police. (April, 2008) […]Continue readingMental Health Police Records Check Coalition Submission to the Ontario Human Rights Commission
Brief on the Proposed Health Based Allocation Model (HBAM)
This brief responds to the information received on the proposed HBAM and is offered on behalf of the six provincial mental health and addictions organizations commonly referred to as “the partnership.” (January, 2008) The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care convened a meeting with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario (CMHA) and the Ontario Federation […]Continue readingBrief on the Proposed Health Based Allocation Model (HBAM)
Recommended Outcomes for the Mental Health Commission of Canada
Advice to the Mental Health Commission of Canada on what CMHA Ontario recommends be key accomplishments in its first three years. (October, 2007) The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario is pleased to offer advice to the Mental Health Commission of Canada on what we recommend be key accomplishments in its first three years, and identify […]Continue readingRecommended Outcomes for the Mental Health Commission of Canada
Submission to the Ontario Human Rights Commission Consultation on Rental Housing
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario (CMHA, Ontario) welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the Ontario Human Rights Commission regarding its request for consultation on human rights and rental housing identified in the Commission’s consultation paper dated March 2007. (August, 2007) The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario (CMHA, Ontario) welcomes the opportunity to […]Continue readingSubmission to the Ontario Human Rights Commission Consultation on Rental Housing
Submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy on Bill 171, Health Systems Improvement Act, 2006 and specifically the Psychotherapy Act, 2006
The practice of psychotherapy will now be regulated and community mental health agencies need to be consulted regarding how to maintain access to psychotherapy for clients who receive treatment in community settings. (April, 2007) The Standing Committee on Social Policy Legislative Assembly of Ontario Re: Bill 171, Health System Improvements Act, 2007 Thank you for […]Continue readingSubmission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy on Bill 171, Health Systems Improvement Act, 2006 and specifically the Psychotherapy Act, 2006
Submission on Bill 140, An Act Respecting Long-Term Care Homes
The restraining of residents by the administration of drugs or pharmaceutical agents should only take place with the specification of conditions intended to safeguard the well-being of residents, similar to those laid out in the Act for physical restraint. There is a high prevalence of mental illness in residents of long-term care homes. Staff in […]Continue readingSubmission on Bill 140, An Act Respecting Long-Term Care Homes
Submission on Bill 107, An Act to amend the Human Rights Code
Bill 107 should be amended to increase the standard application period up to two years, that funding for the proposed Human Rights Legal Support Centre be made available to adequately respond to the actual demand for these services; and that the Disability Rights Secretariat be involved in the five year legislative review of the Act. […]Continue readingSubmission on Bill 107, An Act to amend the Human Rights Code
Caring Together: Families as Partners in the Mental Health and Addiction System
A report by the Family Mental Health Alliance, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs, which identifies both the contributions and needs of families of persons living with a mental illness. The report makes recommendations […]Continue readingCaring Together: Families as Partners in the Mental Health and Addiction System