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The Alberta government is boosting mental-health funding by $53 million in an attempt to ease the elevated stress and anxiety some are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Premier Jason Kenney said Wednesday.

According to a survey conducted by the United Conservative government, three-quarters of Albertans say they feel their mental health has been affected by the pandemic, with a third of respondents saying they feel “depressed” or “hopeless” at least once a week.

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“We are making sure Albertans have the mental-health and addiction supports they need during and following this crisis,” Kenney said. “Please reach out. There is help for everyone.”

The funding includes $21.4 million for improving access to telephone and online supports, including the Mental Health Helpline and the Kids Help Phone.

An additional $25 million is going toward those disproportionately affected by COVID-19, including seniors and Indigenous communities.