Canadian Mental Health Association launches new National initiative to support certification of BIPOC peer support workers

Feb 9, 2026

In partnership with Peer Support Canada, the initiative aims to strengthen culturally responsive mental health supports across Canada

TORONTO, February 9, 2026 — The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) National is proud to announce a $100,000 donation from RBC Foundation to support a new national initiative that will increase access to peer support certification for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) individuals across Canada.

Peer support training and employment opportunities are often inaccessible to those who cannot afford them, often excluding marginalized and underserved communities, limiting the sector’s ability to meet the needs of BIPOC populations. With support from RBC Foundation, CMHA and Peer Support Canada will strengthen peer support across the CMHA federation, enabling and expanding access to high-quality mental health care for all, when and where they need it most.

The initiative will provide eligible BIPOC participants with the opportunity to participate in Peer Support Canada’s national peer supporter certification program to advance culturally responsive, community-based care grounded in lived experience.

Peer support is a supportive relationship between people who share similar lived experiences, such as mental health, substance use health, or addiction challenges. It’s built on mutual understanding, respect, and equality—bringing people together without judgment to offer support, share skills, and foster recovery.

Peer support workers play a critical role by offering specialized coping strategies, understanding, connection, and hope to people navigating mental health and substance use challenges. However, systemic barriers continue to limit access to training and certification for many individuals, particularly those from racialized communities.

“RBC Foundation has been a long-standing and valued partner of CMHA, and this donation is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing mental health resources in Canada,” said Marion Cooper, President & Lead Executive Officer, CMHA National. “This funding is helping us break down barriers, invest in people with lived experience, and build a more inclusive peer support workforce that reflects the communities we serve.”

Through this initiative, funding from RBC Foundation will support the education of 130 peer supporters and increase our understanding of the peer support workforce at the national level. Together, this will help more people struggling with mental health and addiction challenges access certified peer support workers, helping to improve health outcomes and reduce strain on the health care system.

“Peer support is most effective when it reflects the identities, cultures, and lived realities of the people it serves,” said Allison Dunning, Executive Director, Peer Support Canada. “The support from RBC Foundation will help grow a peer-led workforce that is more representative, culturally grounded, and accessible.”

For those interested in becoming a certified peer support worker, you can sign up for the PSC mailing listfor details on how to apply.

About the Canadian Mental Health Association

Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health federation in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and the Yukon. CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive. For more information, please visit cmha.ca.

About Peer Support Canada

Peer Support Canada (PSC) serves as the national leader and advocate for peer support across the country, dedicated to increasing its recognition, growth, and accessibility in mental health and substance use health spaces. To learn more about Peer Support Canada (PSC), visit www.peersupportcanada.ca or email info@peersupportcanada.ca.

Media contact:
Emma Higgins
National Communications Manager
Canadian Mental Health Association
289-943-7710 | ehiggins@cmha.ca