MHCC Applauds Ottawa’s Increased Support For Improving Mental Health In Canada

CALGARY, AB August 18, 2008 – The federal government today increased its commitment to improving mental health in Canada.  The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, announced this morning the budget for the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) has been increased from $55 million to $130 million dollars and its term has officially been extended from 5 to 10 years.

 Minister Clement made the announcement at the annual meeting of the Canadian Medical Association. “Without mental health, there is no health,” said the minister. “One in five Canadians will experience a serious mental illness in the course of their lifetime, and that is why the federal government has decided to concentrate on mental health as a major priority at this time,” he added.

 “I applaud Minister Clement and the federal government for their continued support and recognition that more has to be done to improve mental health in this country,” said Michael Howlett, President and CEO of the Commission. “Mental health is an issue whose time has finally come. Now with this additional funding and extended term, we know the Commission will have the resources and the time it needs to make a real difference.”

The MHCC has already started work on a number of major initiatives and projects.

These include: the development of a national mental health strategy; creation of a 10-year national campaign to reduce stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with mental health problems and illnesses; creation of a knowledge exchange centre; and establishment of 5 homelessness research demonstration projects across Canada. The Commission’s volunteer advisory committees have also started work on a variety of projects which support the key initiatives.

“We have accomplished a considerable amount in just one short year,” says Howlett. He points to the leadership team, staff and the volunteer advisory committees the Commission has assembled so quickly, and also to the support the MHCC is receiving from the broader mental health community across the country. “The commitment we’re receiving is phenomenal,” says Howlett.

Other major mental health organizations across the country are also endorsing the federal government’s latest announcement.

“The Canadian Mental Health Association enthusiastically applauds the federal government's announcement of increased support for the Mental Health Commission of Canada.  This is a tremendous vote of confidence in the Commission, and a most encouraging sign of the importance of mental health as a national issue.  CMHA looks forward to working closely with the Commission in achieving its challenging mandate, which will be much more feasible through this support,” says Dr. Taylor Alexander,

Chief Executive Officer for Canadian Mental Health Association’s National Office.

“The importance of the Commission and its value has already been proven to the broad mental health community in Canada,” says Phil Upshall, Executive Director of Mood Disorders Canada. “Now, over time, the Commission will be able to prove its worth to all Canadians, as it follows through on its mandate.”

“This is great news,” says Chris Summerville, Executive Director of the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, and member of the MHCC board. “We’ve been worried this might just be a short term government initiative. But this additional and long term funding shows the issue of mental illness is not just an afterthought to the Federal Government. It shows a real commitment, and we are relieved the Conservative Government is making good on its promise to allow the Commission to fulfill its mandate and benefit the lives of Canadians, especially those living with mental health issues.”

The MHCC was created last August by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The Commission is a non-profit organization created to focus national attention on mental health issues. It is funded by the federal government, but operates at arm’s length from all levels of government. The Commission’s objective is to enhance the health and social outcomes for Canadians living with mental health problems and illnesses.

For more information about the Commission’s initiatives and projects, go to its website: www.mentalhealthcommission.ca

 For further information, please contact:

Romie Christie
Manager of Communications
Mental Health Commission of Canada
403-385-4034