A group representing multiple mental health organizations is calling on the federal government to introduce legislation designed to expand access to publicly-funded mental health and substance use health programs and services.
The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health is launching the Parity Pledge.
Glenn Brimacombe is the Chair of the Public Affairs Committee and says the Liberals' election campaign in September included a $4.5 billion investment into mental health supports.
"By treating people effectively earlier, we know that there are improved outcomes in terms of their mental health," said Brimacombe. "Which hopefully will allow them to return whether it is as a parent, a family member, as a worker."
Brimacombe says mental health is something that Canadian society has been dealing with pre-pandemic.
"So when we talk about 1 in 5 Canadians has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder or mental health illness, 5 in 5 have been touched by it. Just in terms of the ramifications and repercussions," said Brimacombe.
But with health care a provincial responsibility, Brimacombe adds that there has to be checks and balances to make sure the money is going where it needs to go.
"We want to make sure it goes to the mental health sector and substance abuse health sector and that there are accountabilities both in terms of health system performance and making sure we have the right indicators," added Brimacombe. "And also that, provincial governments for example, are reporting out the successes and innovations."
Brimacombe is also the Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Canadian Psychological Association.
The Parity Pledge can be signed at camimh.ca.
