Government of Canada invests $447K to support mental health through Ottawa youth mental health project

Funding is part of a commitment of $100 million to support those most affected by COVID-19

November 19, 2022 | Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada

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. The Government of Canada is committed to addressing these disparities and promoting positive mental health for everyone.

Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, on behalf of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced nearly $500k in funding to the Vanier Community Services Centre in Ottawa, Ontario for their project to support youth mental health. This project will use community-based well-being activities as prevention and intervention pathways to improve child and youth mental health. This innovative initiative is intended to increase awareness of and access to existing community social services and activities for children, youth, and families in need, and helps them to reach their full potential.

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.