(Toronto, Thursday, April 27, 2016) – Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is pleased the provincial government reiterated its $140-million commitment to supportive housing, structured psychotherapy and youth mental health hubs in the 2017 budget.
Government funding in these areas will help individuals who are struggling with mental health and addictions challenges.
With respect to the most significant fiscal challenge facing the organization, CMHA Ontario remains hopeful that the government will address shortcomings to the base budgets of 30 community CMHA branches.
“Many branches haven’t had base increases in five years which is making it increasingly difficult to maintain adequate staffing and programs and operate at a level that provides quality service to Ontarians seeking our help,” said Camille Quenneville, CEO of CMHA Ontario.
CMHA Ontario’s optimism comes from ongoing conversations with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care about future funding based on the Health Accord agreement with the federal government.
In its pre-budget submission, CMHA Ontario asked for an increase in base funding for branches, more help with supportive housing – which is vital to recovery – as well as targeted investment to help the community mental health and addiction sector develop and implement a new data, performance measurement and quality improvement strategy.
Developing a high quality, person-centred mental health and addictions system is a key goal for the government-appointed Mental Health and Addictions Leadership Advisory Council. As a member of the council, Quenneville will work with partners to advise government on the implementation of Ontario’s Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy.
Fast Facts:
- The disease burden of mental illness and addiction in Ontario is 1.5 times higher than all cancers put together and more than 7 times that of all infectious diseases.
- In Ontario, the annual cost to address problems related to substance abuse is estimated to be at least $5 billion.
- One in five people will experience a mental health issue or a mental illness every year.
- Mental illness is a leading cause of disability in Canada.
About Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) works toward a single mission: to make mental health possible for all. The vision of CMHA Ontario is a society that believes mental health is the key to well-being. CMHA Ontario works closely with 30 local branches to serve nearly 100,000 Ontarians across the province every year. Nationally, the CMHA is the oldest, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada, celebrating 100 years in 2018.