CAMH survey re-affirms Ontario’s need for mental health services overhaul

QUEEN'S PARK — New findings from a CAMH survey showing a rise in mental health challenges among Ontario adults re-affirms the province’s dire need for a mental health services overhaul, says NDP critic for Mental Health and Addictions, Bhutila Karpoche. She said Doug Ford's $330-million cut to mental health funding is dragging Ontario in the wrong direction.

CAMH’s Monitor survey showed an uptick, between 2016 and 2017, in the number of Ontario adults who reported “frequent mental distress.” The number of adults who reported thoughts of suicide nearly doubled during that time.

The survey also pointed to the growing incidence of addictions and mental health problems among young people aged 18 to 29.

“These survey results are profoundly worrying, but the story these numbers tell — the story of a growing number of Ontarians suffering from mental health challenges but not getting the services or support they need — is not a new story,” said Karpoche.

“The Liberals really let people down when it came to mental health and addictions services, but by cutting planned funding, Doug Ford is making things worse for people. The lack of funding means longer waits for services, fewer supports and more people in crisis.”

Karpoche has put forward a private member's bill to cap mental health and addictions service wait times at no more than 30 days for children and youth 26 and younger.  

“The Ontario NDP is fighting for an overhaul of mental health services that includes a dedicated Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions," said Karpoche. "We want to see 2,200 new mental health care workers hired, mental health workers in schools, and, given the link between homelessness and mental health, we're fighting for 30,000 new supportive housing units.

"Mental health affects us all. Ontario has to do better, because people deserve better."

Latest posts

TORONTO — Despite threats of a trade war that will drive prices even higher, the Liberals are set to reinstate sales tax on Saturday. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh says his government will permanently eliminate the tax on daily essentials and monthly bills, including home heating, cell phone and internet charges, diapers, children’s car seats, kids’ clothes and grocery store meals.

QUEEN’S PARK – Official Opposition NDP Affordability critic Bhutila Karpoche (Parkdale—High Park) joined advocates and community members to announce the Homelessness Task Force Act, 2024.

TORONTO – Official Opposition NDP MPP Bhutila Karpoche (Parkdale—High Park) joined parents, providers and advocates outside Sunnyside Garden Daycare, calling on the province to immediately release the child care funding formula and provide emergency funding for this local daycare at risk of closure.

Share this post

Are you ready to take action?

Follow on Facebook
Sign up to Volunteer
Make a donation

Connect with Bhutila

Email:
Mailing Address: 137 Roncesvalles Ave, PO Box 97022, Toronto, ON M6R 3B3