Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal Leader Dwight Ball has made mental health the focus of his first policy announcement leading up to the provincial election this fall.

In a news conference Thursday morning, Ball pledged to replace the antiquated Waterford Hospital in St. John's without delay, if the Liberals form the government after the Nov. 30 election.

The main part of the Waterford Hospital dates back to 1855, and the provincial government itself has said the facility no longer meets the need for mental health services.

A new mental health facility was promised by the governing Tories, but was put on hold in this year's budget, which delayed or deferred numerous other projects.

"This new facility is not a nice-to-have. It's a must-have," said Ball. "It's a project that we can't afford not to do."

Ball said the economic cost of mental health care in the province is $749 million. A new facility, he said, would cost $325 million.

"We know this impacts individuals, their families and loved ones, and their ability to live day-to-day lives as they normally would," Bell said.

"We know that that needs to change."

As for paying for the cost of constructing the new hospital, Ball said he would partner with local construction businesses but did not say where the money would come from.

"First and foremost, you consider your own budget situation, you go out and work with Newfoundland and Labrador companies that would be my primary objective," Ball said.

"They could be involved in the design and the construction."

In additional to a replacement hospital, Ball said his party would not privatize any health care services.

Ball said a Liberal government would plan and define the scope of work for the Waterford replacement in 2016.

Construction, Ball estimated, would begin the following year.

This announcement marks the first policy Ball has outlined leading up to the election.