In Canada’s universal health system, mental health care is not so universal: report
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) recently released a new report that sheds light on the state of mental health care in Canada. According to the report, about 2.5 million people in the country are not receiving adequate care for their mental health. This staggering number is equivalent to the populations of Manitoba and Saskatchewan combined, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Sarah Kennell, the national director of public policy at CMHA, expressed concern over the grim state of mental health in Canada. The report analyzed 24 different measures, ranging from healthcare spending to suicide rates and levels of discrimination against those with mental health concerns. It found that, on average, provinces and territories only allocate about 6.3% of their overall health budgets to mental health care, significantly below the 12% recommended by CMHA. In comparison, countries like France spend 15% of their healthcare budgets on mental health.
Dr. Kwame McKenzie, CEO of Toronto’s Wellesley Institute, was surprised by the findings, noting that Canada’s mental health spending has not kept pace with other areas of healthcare. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health care to ensure a healthy and productive workforce.
The report also highlighted the challenges individuals face in accessing mental health care. Leanne Minichillo, vice-chair of CMHA’s National Council of Persons with Lived Experience, shared her struggle to receive appropriate care after seeking help in an emergency department. She emphasized the need for more comprehensive mental health services beyond prescription medication.
The report called for increased federal funding and policy support for mental health and substance use care, as well as improved access to community-based services. It also identified data gaps, particularly in Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, making it difficult to fully assess the state of mental health care across Canada.
To address these challenges, the report recommended legislative changes to integrate mental health into the universal healthcare system, ensuring that services like counseling, addiction treatment, and support for eating disorders are more widely available. It also emphasized the importance of addressing social determinants of mental health, such as housing, income support, and criminal justice policy.
Overall, the report underscores the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to mental health care in Canada. By prioritizing mental health and investing in accessible and effective services, the country can better support individuals in need and build a healthier and more resilient society.
