The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario welcomes the launch of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) by Prime Minister Steven Harper in Ottawa, Ontario.
“This is a great day for Mental Health in Canada,” says Lorne Zon, CEO, CMHA, Ontario. “CMHA, Ontario supports the three priorities of the MHCC: creating a national mental health strategy; fighting discrimination and stigma against people with mental illnesses; and improving knowledge exchange. We look forward to working closely with the Commission as it moves forward.”
CMHA Ontario believes that a national mental health strategy should involve all levels of government, mental health consumers, their families, and the broader community.
Public education is an important aspect of a campaign to fight discrimination. Involving people with mental illness as full citizens in their communities is also an important aspect of reducing stigma.
Having the most up-to-date knowledge is an important part of developing the best possible services and supports for people with mental illnesses. Knowledge exchange must include the knowledge of people who have experienced mental illnesses, their families, ethno-cultural groups, clinicians and researchers.
CMHA Ontario is looking to the federal government to further implement other recommendations made by the Senate Committee including: a Mental Health Transition Fund that would include a housing initiative; and the expansion of community services and supports available for people with mental illness.