Mental health concerns us all. One in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem or a mental illness this year – with a cost of over $50 billion to our economy. Despite these alarming numbers, many people still cannot access the services and supports they need to move toward well-being and good mental health. Our citizens, health care system, and government would not stand for this situation if physical health was in question – but mental health concerns go unaddressed.

Therefore, the following petition calls on the federal government to make necessary improvements in mental health care in Canada.

Petition in support of improving mental health care in Canada

We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:

THAT the vast majority of Canadians support a public health care system in which mental health receives the same funding priority as physical health

THAT the current lack of strategic planning and funding for mental health care leaves Canada spending in excess of $50 billion per year on mental illness, mental health problems, and their consequences

THAT strategic investment in the right programs can help prevent mental illnesses, can delay their onset, and can reduce associated ill health and disability

THAT achieving this goal requires stronger federal leadership, with increased investment, coordination and innovation to establish and implement:

a pan-Canadian Mental Health Action Plan that provides concrete targets for action;

dedicated mental health funding transfers to provinces and territories enabling them to provide consistently high-quality mental health care services;

increased investment in preventative and social programs devoted to mental health by 2% above current levels;

THEREFORE we call on the Government of Canada to fully cooperate with provinces, territories, and health authorities to negotiate an action plan that improves mental health care services through stronger federal leadership, backed by long-term, stable, dedicated mental health funding.