Losing federal support could push more people into crisis care and strain employer benefits budgets
Mental health funding that helps keep people supported, housed and out of hospital is set to run out next year.
With $5bn in federal funding for mental health and addictions services set to expire, a new Pollara survey commissioned by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) shows 81 percent of Canadians support maintaining mental health services through continued funding from the federal government.
CMHA leaders from across the country are on Parliament Hill to urge the federal government to commit to a renewed 10-year, $5bn investment in mental health and addictions services.
The organization warns that allowing it to expire would undermine access to essential mental health and addictions supports at a time when demand for services remains high.
For the past 10 years, federal funding has supported critical services across Canada, including crisis response, supportive housing, early intervention for youth and addictions care.
CMHA programs alone serve 330 communities and more than 1.3m Canadians every year.
If federal investments are not renewed, essential services will be at risk and Canadians will feel the impact.
The Pollara survey also shows strong support for public funding of mental health care, with 75 percent saying it should help ensure services are affordable and accessible, and only 10 percent saying individuals should pay out of pocket.
Many services are not covered by provincial and territorial health insurance plans, meaning people have to pay out of pocket for lifesaving care or rely on limited private insurance benefits.
As the cost of living rises, many people in Canada are struggling to meet basic needs and cannot afford to pay for mental health and addictions services.
When care is out of reach, more people end up in crisis and turn to emergency departments and hospitals.
The effects extend beyond the health system to the broader economy: when people go without care, their symptoms worsen, making it harder to stay employed and reducing productivity.
Marion Cooper, president and lead executive officer of CMHA National, said “too many people are struggling,” including caregivers, burned-out workers and young people in distress on long waitlists.
She warned that without federal funding, it will be even harder for them to access care.
CMHA BC CEO Jonny Morris said the funding is critical to services for people with mental health and substance use challenges, noting it has helped tens of thousands of families and more than 17,000 people manage mild to moderate depression or anxiety.
He warned that without it, people will lose key early‑stage supports and the wider health system will come under more strain.
Camille Quenneville, CEO of CMHA Ontario, said mental health investments have broad community benefits and support people with serious mental health issues.
She warned that without renewed federal funding, vital programs helping vulnerable people, including those affected by homelessness and addictions, could be disrupted.
