The 2011 Ontario Budget was announced in the Legislature on March 29th, 2011. A number of budgetary items are relevant to mental health and addictions:
- The government continues to indicate that it is committed to releasing a comprehensive 10-year Mental Health and Addictions Strategy
- The government will increase funding for children’s mental health by $93 million per year by 2013-14. They have indicated these new investments are their first action in supporting a comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy for Ontario
- In order to relieve pressure on emergency departments, funding to the community services sector, including mental health and addictions, will increase three percent over three years. Local Health Integrated Networks will receive the funding and allocate it to service providers within the community sector
- Ontario Disability Support Program and Ontario Works will receive a one percent increase for basic needs and shelter to begin in the fall
For more information go to www.fin.gov.on.ca and to www.ontario.cmha.ca/media for CMHA’s response to the 2011 Ontario Budget.