The Mental Health Parity Act could close Canada’s coverage gap 

Jun 22, 2026

15 June 2026 

The Canadian Mental Health Association supports proposed federal legislation that would bring mental health into balance with physical health. 

Too often in Canada, effective mental and substance use health care is only available to those who can afford to pay for it. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) welcomes the introduction of private member’s legislation Bill C-280, the Mental Health Parity Act, that aims to bring mental health, addictions, and substance use services into Canada’s universal, public health care system.  

Parity means recognising mental health and physical health as equally important and ensuring public policy, legislation, and investments reflect that reality. However, in our current health system, Canadians can access medically necessary physical health services, but many must pay out of pocket for essential community mental health services— like counselling and addictions treatment— or go without care altogether. 

The Act acknowledges that financial and other barriers prevent many Canadians from accessing to appropriate community mental health services. It proposes a framework federal, provincial, and territorial collaboration to expand public coverage to include out of hospital, community-based services. Modelled after the Canada Health Act, the legislation also includes measures to strengthen public accountability and help reduce unequal access to services across the country. 

This legislation reflects what CMHA has championed for decades: community mental health care is essential health care and should be funded and delivered as such. The timing for this bill is especially significant given key federal investments in mental health are due to expire next year.  

CMHA thanks Member of Parliament Gord Johns (Courtenay—Alberni, BC) for bringing forward this important legislation and for his ongoing leadership in advancing timely, affordable access to mental health care for Canadians. CMHA also supports MP John’s recent motion calling for investments in mental health, addictions, and substance use health to reach at least 12 per cent of total health spending.  

Canadians take great pride in a universal healthcare system built on the principle that care should be available based on need, not ability to pay. Yet that promise remains incomplete when community mental health services remain out of reach for so many. The Mental Health Parity Act represents a crucial step toward closing that gap and ensuring mental health is valued and treated as an integral part of health care in Canada. 

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 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 www.cmha.ca.  

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For media inquiries:   

Emma Higgins    
National Manager, Communications    
Canadian Mental Health Association    
ehiggins@cmha.ca