Canadian Medical Association Annual Conference,
August 18, 2008
Mental health and the work of the Commission
“Mental health issues are of growing concern to Canadians and to our government.
The latest statistics we have show that 20% of Canadians will suffer a mental illness or disorder at some time in their lives. Mental illness accounts for up to 4% of hospital admissions, and virtually every Canadian family is touched by it in some way. It is estimated that it costs our economy 30 billion dollars per year – that’s about half the budget of the province of Ontario.
Last August, Prime Minister Harper and former Senator Michael Kirby announced the creation of the Mental Health Commission of Canada and, for those who were there, the moment was electrifying.
In the room were over 1,000 people working and living with mental health issues. They had spent years fighting for recognition and support; and under our government, they are finally receiving it.
On that day, Prime Minister Harper confirmed that our government had committed to spend $55 million over five years to allow the Commission’s important work to begin.
And today, I am very pleased to announce that our Government's total funding commitment to the Mental Health Commission is now confirmed at $130 million over its 10-year mandate.
Already the Commission has finalized its first business plan, which is a fantastic piece of work, and has targeted programs in five areas, which are:
- Developing a mental health strategy;
- Creating an Anti-Stigma campaign;
- Creating a Knowledge Exchange Centre;
- Enhancing the influence and capacity of the Commission; And, very importantly,
- Developing building block projects.
There will be five pilot projects regarding homelessness in five, including one right here in Montreal.
I know you have already heard from Michael Kirby: I will only add that we are moving forward with significant research, a ground-breaking anti-stigma campaign and a plan to support children’s mental health. This is great news for all Canadians and long overdue.”