Too little, too far: CMHA report uncovers critical gaps in access to care in rural and remote parts of Canada 

May 27, 2026

For immediate release

TORONTO, ON (May 28, 2026) — A new report by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) reveals critical gaps in access to mental health and substance use health care in rural and remote parts of Canada, where residents face disproportionately high barriers to care and unmet mental health needs and social supports.  

Closing the Distance: Rural and Remote Mental Health in Canada presents a national picture of mental health, substance use health and service access across rural, remote and urban communities, and examines who faces the greatest barriers to care. 

The findings show that mental health services are less available and accessible to rural and remote residents, who often have to travel long distances to receive care. While the report shows that rural populations report higher rates of well-being overall, Indigenous Peoples, women and low-income residents in rural and remote areas experience some of the worst mental health outcomes and have higher rates of some mental illnesses.  

The report also raises serious concerns about higher rates of violence against girls and young women in rural and remote communities, particularly violence by someone they know.  

Closing the Distance comes at a critical time. Mental health and substance use health needs remain high across Canada, and rural and remote communities continue to face barriers that are too often overlooked in national conversations about health care.   

“CMHA has deep roots in rural and remote communities across Canada, and it is our responsibility to better understand their realities, highlight their needs and advocate for the supports people need,” said Marion Cooper, President and Lead Executive Officer, CMHA National. “As governments are considering the future of mental health funding, our report shows the urgent need for increased investment in community-based mental health and substance use services in rural and remote areas.” 

The report calls for coordinated action across federal, provincial, and territorial governments, alongside Indigenous communities and governments, to close equity gaps in mental health. In addition, it highlights the need for improved data collection and reporting practices related to mental health, housing, poverty, discrimination and health-care utilization in rural and remote communities.  

With the support of West Fraser, a forest products company operating in four Canadian provinces, CMHA National has been conducting research exploring the needs of people in rural and remote communities and has expanded CMHA services in rural and remote areas. 

“At West Fraser, we’re proud to support this important work because rural and remote communities are at the heart of who we are,” said Sean McLaren, President and CEO, West Fraser. “We know that access to mental health support can look very different outside urban centres. This research is an important step toward solutions that reflect the realities and strengths of rural and remote communities where many of our employees live and work.” 

Canada has over 4,000 diverse rural communities and about 18% of the Canadian population reside there, including a high proportion of Indigenous populations. While rural and remote communities contribute more than 25% of Canada’s GDP, many residents continue to have lower median incomes, limited access to mental health care, and significant travel burdens to reach services.  

Read the full report and learn more about CMHA’s rural mental health initiatives here.  

Key findings from the report include: 

• Rural and remote residents report higher levels of well-being and stronger community belonging than urban residents. 
• Indigenous Peoples, women and low-income residents in rural and remote areas experience poorer mental health outcomes and higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders. 
• Rates of drinking, smoking and substance use disorders are higher in rural and remote communities, particularly among men. 
• Rural and remote residents are less likely to access mental health services or consult mental health professionals. 
• Travel burdens to psychiatric and health care services are significantly higher in rural and remote communities, especially in the territories. 
• Violence against girls and young women in rural and remote communities is a serious concern, especially violence perpetrated by someone the victim knows. 

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   
Phone: 289-943-7710 | ehiggins@cmha.ca