Northern Ontario Mental Health Crisis Showcased at Pre-Budget Hearing
January 16, 2018SUDBURY – This morning, at a pre-budget committee hearing, Ontario’s growing mental health crisis was highlighted by a couple of presenters who urged the government to take immediate action.
The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs heard from the Sudbury/Manitoulin branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Child and Family Centre. Both of these presentations highlighted funding gaps and the need for increased funding and supports.
“Ontario’s mental health crisis is our province’s dirty little secret,” said Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli. “There are far too many stories – especially in Northern Ontario – about families who have had the courage to come forward, to seek treatment, only to be turned away because the supports and resources aren’t there.”
In 1979, 11 per cent of Ontario’s health care budget was spent on mental health. Today, the province spends only 6.7 per cent.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health. It’s time the Ontario government started treating it that way,” added MPP Sam Oosterhoff. “Unfortunately, under the current government we’ve seen cuts to important services that Ontario families depend on.”