Government of Canada invests $10 million to support mental health through the Canadian Red Cross

Ontario: There is no health without mental health. While many Canadians struggle with mental health issues, certain groups in Canada are more likely to face disproportionate challenges accessing mental health supports because of racism, discrimination, socio-economic status or social exclusion. In addition, many community-based organizations providing mental health and well-being supports have faced a surge in demand and more complex needs resulting from the pandemic. The Government of Canada is committed to addressing these disparities and promoting positive mental health for everyone, particularly those who face social and health inequities, or have been uniquely impacted by the pandemic.

Today, Élisabeth Brière, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced $10 million in funding to the Canadian Red Cross. The Canadian Red Cross will act as an intermediary to distribute these funds to community-based organizations across the country working to promote mental health and well-being in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery. The funding will help equip community organizations and service providers to offer safe, culturally appropriate, responsive and effective programming and support for those whose mental health and well-being has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This announcement is part of a $100 million investment provided in Budget 2021 to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These include youth, seniors, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Black and other racialized people in Canada, front-line and other essential workers, and others whose mental health has been, and continues to be especially impacted by the pandemic.