News

Almost $500,000 for Crisis Response Teams

Funding will help police support people experiencing a mental health crisis

Northeastern Ontario – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is investing $480,000 to help four police services provide specialized support to people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The funding is being delivered through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant program and enables police to utilize trained crisis workers when responding to those in need.

“Our government is supporting police services in Northeastern Ontario by providing them with the resources they need to assist vulnerable people in crisis situations,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Mobile Crisis Response Teams are best positioned to respond to people experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis and are an important part of how police in collaboration with this government are working hard to keep Ontarians safe.”

The following investments for the 2023-24 fiscal year include:

• $120,000 for the North Bay OPP
• $120,000 for the Kirkland Lake OPP
• $120,000 for the Temiskaming OPP
• $120,000 for the Greater Sudbury Police Service

“The OPP is committed to the safety of the people and communities of Ontario. While police presence is often important to ensure safety and well-being during calls for service, crisis workers are very skilled in de-escalation and can effectively support the individual in crisis. Working together means improved safety and better outcomes for everyone.” – Ronald Bellefeuille, Detachment Commander, Kirkland Lake OPP.

“The Greater Sudbury Police Service remains committed to a community-focused, human-centred approach to calls involving vulnerable community members. Through our continued partnership with Health Sciences North, officers in collaboration with Mental Health and Addictions specialists provide on-site de-escalation to those in crisis while making support services immediately accessible. This not only assists in reducing officer wait times at the Emergency Department, but it ensures that those suffering from addictions or living with mental health challenges are provided with the appropriate resources.” – Paul Pedersen, Chief of the Great Sudbury Police.

“Temiskaming OPP is extremely grateful for the ability to continue our partnership with Canadian Mental Health Association to address addictions and mental health in our community through our Mobile Crisis Response Team. This grant funding will support our MCRT program and ensure that individuals in crisis can get connected with services and treatment in Temiskaming District.” – Ryan Dougan, Detachment Commander, Temiskaming OPP.

“Police are called upon to respond to thousands of mental health calls a year,” said Thomas Carrique, OPP Commissioner. “The integrated Mobile Crisis Response Teams approach, with officers and crisis workers attending calls together, supports de-escalation at the time of crisis and connects individuals with the right community resources, at the right time, to better meet their needs and reduce future police interactions.

In 2023-24, the Ontario government is allocating more than $4.5 million to 39 municipal and First Nations police services, as well as Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), to help strengthen Mobile Crisis Response Teams across the province.

QUICK FACTS

• Mobile Crisis Response Teams consist of police officers and crisis workers working together to respond to complex situations where mental health or addictions may be a factor. Supported by the police, crisis workers can assess if an individual should be sent to an emergency department for treatment and/or provide referrals to community programs that support mental and physical well-being.
• The Mobile Crisis Response Teams Enhancement Grant is part of Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness to build Ontario’s mental health and addictions system and complements the government’s earlier commitments to protect people’s health and enhance mobile crisis teams across the province.