The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) has released an outline of eight strategic directions that will guide the development of Canada’s mental health strategy. The first five directions represent an agenda for transformation, and the remaining three focus on creating the capacity needed to realize that transformation.
The five strategic directions under the transformation agenda are:
- Increasing the opportunity for all people living in Canada to enjoy the best possible mental health;
- Actively engaging people living with mental health problems and illnesses, and their families, in decision-making at all levels;
- Improving pathways to recovery and well-being;
- Building welcoming communities and supportive environments; and
- Seeking innovation from First Nations, Inuit and Métis people to advance mental health.
The three directions that will help to build capacity for transformation are funding, building infrastructure and mobilizing leadership.
The eight directions build on the vision and seven goals outlined in the MHCC’s 2009 framework document, Toward Recovery and Well-Being: A Framework for a Mental Health Strategy for Canada. In 2011, the MHCC will identify priorities for action under each direction.
To learn more about the eight strategic directions and the transformation agenda, visit the MHCC website at www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.
For more information about the national mental health strategy, and to access the 2009 framework document, go to www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.