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Canadian Public Health Association

Mental Health and Addictions in Canada

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PUBLIC HEALTH MATTERS

Canada is in the midst of a growing mental health and addiction crisis, which is exacerbating public health challenges across the country. Rates of mental illness and substance use disorders have risen sharply, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing this crisis from a public health perspective requires federal leadership in developing and funding national strategies that promote mental health, expand addiction services, and improve the overall well-being of Canadians.

A Higher Standard

Mental health and substance use disorders affect millions of people in Canada. One in five people in Canada will experience a mental illness in any given year, yet many face barriers to accessing timely and adequate care (Government of Canada, 2017).

The opioid crisis continues to claim lives, with more than 38,000 apparent opioid toxicity deaths occurring between January 2016 and September 2022. The crisis is exacerbated by limited access to harm reduction services and mental health supports (Government of Canada, 2025).

It’s time for Canada to do better.

Why It Matters

Untreated mental illness and addiction contribute to poorer health outcomes, increased hospitalizations, homelessness, and unemployment. Suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people in Canada, with an average of 4,500 lives lost annually (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2023).

Barriers to accessing care, including affordability and stigma, leave many people without the support they need. The federal government has a critical role in addressing these challenges by ensuring equitable access to mental health care and harm reduction services.

Policy Solutions for the Next Federal Government

  1. Develop a National Mental Health and Addiction Strategy: Create a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy that focuses on prevention, treatment, and support services for mental health and addiction issues.
  2. Increase Funding for Mental Health and Addiction Services: Provide federal funding to expand mental health and addiction services, especially in rural and underserved communities.
  3. Enhance Harm Reduction Strategies: Support harm reduction approaches to the opioid crisis, including expanding access to supervised consumption sites and opioid replacement therapies.
  4. Launch Public Health Campaigns: Fund national public health education campaigns that reduce stigma, encourage early intervention, and promote mental health awareness.
  5. Invest in Data Collection and Research: Support ongoing research and data collection on mental health and addiction to inform public health policies and improve service delivery.

Questions for the Candidates

  • Will your party commit to expanding federal funding for mental health services and integrating them into universal healthcare?
  • What steps will your party take to address the toxic drug crisis and improve harm reduction policies?
  • How will your party ensure mental health and addiction services are accessible to structurally disadvantaged communities?

Resources