The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the mental health of Canadians and Indigenous Peoples. For two years now we have had to respond to unprecedented social disruption, the loss of loved ones, and the concern for the wellbeing of friends and families. It isn’t surprising that so many Canadians are reporting an increase in feelings of stress, sadness and loneliness. Half of all Canadians report that their mental health has gotten worse since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Years ago the WHO made it clear that we must understand: Mental Health is health. That’s why it’s more important than ever to break down the stigma of mental health and share the virtual mental health resources and tools available to your constituents and their families, such as Wellness Together Canada and the recently launched PocketWell app. We will continue to do whatever it takes to keep people safe and ensure all Canadians have access to the mental health tools and resources they need. We are all in this together. Today, on #BellLetsTalkDay, and every day, as COVID-19 continues to affect us all, it is important to take the time to end the stigma and join the conversation on mental health.

• Since 2015 we have made historic investments to support the mental health of Canadians, including:
  • $5 billion to the provinces and territories to increase the availability of mental health care;
  • $598 million for a distinctions-based mental health and wellness strategy for Indigenous peoples.
  • $140 million to support veterans’ dealing with PTSD, depressive and anxiety disorders.
  • $45 million for national mental health care standards; and
  • $600 million to address the opioid crisis.

Pandemic related

• In a typical year, 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental illness or addiction problem - and nearly half of Canadians reported that their mental health worsened during the pandemic including 7 out of 10 healthcare workers
• We have been there for Canadians during the pandemic, including:
  • $500 million in support during the pandemic for Canadians experiencing mental health challenges, homelessness, or substance use;
  • $100 million for mental health interventions for 2SLGBTQQIA+, youth, seniors affected by COVID-19
  • $50 million to support to those at risk of COVID-19 related trauma or post-traumatic stress disorders.

Youth and families

• As part of the consortium managing the Wellness Together Canada portal, Kids Help Phone is providing support to young people via phone, text and live chat.
• We are investing $7.5 million in Kids Help Phone to support their mental health services for children and youth during the pandemic.
• Since 2017 our Government has also started investing $5 billion over ten years through provinces and territories via negotiated bilateral agreements to help them expand mental health access -including community-based mental health and addiction services for children, youth and other diverse populations.