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Public Policy

The Canadian Mental Health Association is the only association in Canada that addresses all aspects of mental health and mental illness. We promote and advocate through strong connections we forge with policymakers, mental health consumers and their families, educators, the media, stakeholders and other service providers.

CMHA’s National office influences public policy at the federal level with a multi-faceted approach that includes strengthening our relationship with government officials and politicians. In addition, we focus on the ongoing submission of briefs and presentations to Standing Committees on Finance, Health, Human Resources Development, Justice and others.

CMHA Policy Statements articulate the general principles and recommendations relating to a particular issue which are endorsed by the CMHA.

COVID-19 effects on the mental health of vulnerable populations

The pandemic has caused intense stress and disruption for all people in Canada, and is causing pronounced mental health concerns, including suicidal thoughts and feelings, in various subgroups of the population, including parents, those with existing mental illness or mental health issues, Indigenous people and those with a disability or who identify as LGBTQ+. This […]Continue readingCOVID-19 effects on the mental health of vulnerable populations

Going it Alone: The mental health and well-being of Canada’s entrepreneurs

It is often said that small business is the backbone of the Canadian economy and that when entrepreneurs succeed, so does Canada. Considering the importance of small and medium-sized businesses to the Canadian economy, the health and well-being of entrepreneurs is a critical public health issue. The study, “Going it Alone: The mental health and well-being of Canada’s entrepreneurs,” aims […]Continue readingGoing it Alone: The mental health and well-being of Canada’s entrepreneurs

Cohesive, Collaborative, Collective: Advancing Mental Health Promotion in Canada

                  To mark its 68th annual Mental Health Week, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) calls for a national mental health promotion strategy to help shore up Canadians’ mental health in the face of rising rates of mental illness worldwide. To be effective, the national mental health promotion […]Continue readingCohesive, Collaborative, Collective: Advancing Mental Health Promotion in Canada

Over half of Canadians consider anxiety and depression ‘epidemic’

The Canadian Mental Health Association calls for new legislation to bring mental health into balance with physical health.  Over half of Canadians (53%) consider anxiety and depression to be ‘epidemic’ in Canada, with that perception spiking amongst younger people, according to a new survey commissioned by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). Fifty-nine per cent of 18 to 34-year-olds […]Continue readingOver half of Canadians consider anxiety and depression ‘epidemic’

Care not Corrections: Relieving the Opioid Crisis in Canada

In response to escalating rates of opioid-related harms in Canada and the connections with mental illness and addictions, the Canadian Mental Health Association developed an in-depth evidence-based policy paper directed at government, policy makers and health organizations. Led by its national Public Policy Working Group comprised of mental health policy experts across Canada, and in […]Continue readingCare not Corrections: Relieving the Opioid Crisis in Canada

CMHA Position on Medical Assistance in Dying

With the passing of Bill C-14, the Canadian Mental Health Association raises concern regarding the criteria eligibility of mental illnesses for medical assistance in dying (MAiD). Specifically, CMHA holds the position that MAiD for psychiatric patients should remain illegal. CMHA asserts that recovery from mental illnesses is possible. CMHA has made the following recommendations to […]Continue readingCMHA Position on Medical Assistance in Dying

Right to Privacy Related to Mental Health Information Contained within Police Records

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is very concerned with the disclosure of mental health information, such as suicide attempts and apprehensions under various provincial Mental Health Acts, to law enforcement officials and third parties through police information or background checks. Disclosing otherwise private (medical or treatment seeking) information undermines people’s ability to seek appropriate […]Continue readingRight to Privacy Related to Mental Health Information Contained within Police Records

Child and Youth – Access to Mental Health Promotion and Mental Health Care

POSITION “Every child and youth living in Canada deserve to grow up in supportive and nurturing environments, and develop the social and emotional skills they need to work with others cooperatively, resolve conflict and cope with challenges they face in life. “Every child and youth living in Canada should have access to a range of […]Continue readingChild and Youth – Access to Mental Health Promotion and Mental Health Care

World Health Organization Mental Health Policy Project

The goal of WHO’s Mental Health Policy Project is to bring together the latest information on mental health policy and service development. On the site you will find both general information about mental health policy as well as a number of key resources and publications.  Click here to read more about the project and access […]Continue readingWorld Health Organization Mental Health Policy Project

Social Research Tool: Canadian Social Data Strategy

The Community Social Data Strategy is an exciting project through which municipalities and community-based organizations can access and analyze detailed research findings from Statistics Canada cost effectively. It is an initiative of the Canadian Council on Social Development in partnership with Statistics Canada.  The Community Social Data Strategy was created to raise awareness within the […]Continue readingSocial Research Tool: Canadian Social Data Strategy