Kenora, December 5th, 2024 – A dire, immediate need for more core funding in community-based mental health and addictions services to meet surging demand and retain qualified staff will be at the forefront of Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Kenora’s presentation to the provincial government at today’s pre-budget consultation.
“The community mental health and addictions sector is an integral part of Ontario’s broader health care infrastructure,” says CMHA Kenora Branch, Chief Executive Officer. “Our sector must be adequately funded and resourced so we and the rest of the health care system can operate efficiently and effectively and provide care to Ontarians where and when they need it.”
During Sara Dias, Chief Executive Officer’s presentation, she will address:
- Health Human Resource Challenges & Compensation
- Crisis Response Services
- Supportive Housing
Today’s presentation to the government comes at a time when Ontario is in the midst of a drug- poisoning crisis, a homelessness crisis, rising food insecurity and increased mental health and addictions issues.
Meanwhile, chronic underfunding of the community-based sector has caused challenges with retaining qualified staff to effectively support the individuals living with these crises.
The sector has received only one base budget increase in at least the last 11 years compared to inflation growing more than 30 per cent over that time.
Without a stable workforce, clients and their families will not get the help they need.
Provincially, CMHA Ontario Division is asking for an investment of $113 million dollars in the 2025-26 budget on behalf of Ontario’s 27 CMHA branches. This includes:
- $33 million per year for four years to stabilize operating costs at 27 CMHA branches across the province and ensure Ontario’s critical mental health and addictions infrastructure can withstand the growing demand for services
- $20 million to expand crisis services including new crisis hubs
- $60 million per year for two years to operate an additional 5,000 supportive housing units
