Now more than ever: Mental health in uncertain times  

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CMHA 2025 federal election platform 

These uncertain times mean that Canadians’ mental health is at risk. Now more than ever. So, as we head into the 2025 federal election, we need to keep mental health top of mind for political parties and candidates. The Canadian Mental Health Association’s election platform will help do just that.  

External threats to our economy – and to Canadian livelihoods – will only deepen people’s stress. Already, many Canadians go without mental health, addiction and substance use health care if they can’t pay for it themselves. As the cost of living soars, mental health care will be further out of reach. It will be a luxury many can’t afford. CMHA’s election platform presents federal parties with three solutions to help turn this around. To help people get the care they need.

CMHA’s election platform at a glance

1. Improve access to community supports

Because doctors and hospitals can only do so much, the federal government must support underfunded frontline community mental health agencies. 

• Support addiction initiatives by passing a law to limit gambling ads, adding warning labels on alcohol, and sustaining local substance use health care.    
• Permanently fund the 9-8-8 suicide crisis helpline and support the creation of mobile crisis intervention teams.  
• Keep tax clinics free for low-income Canadians. 

2. Help vulnerable Canadians stay housed

Housing is key to good mental health. The government must expand supportive housing for people with mental health and addiction issues and ensure wraparound social and health services are provided. 

• Build 100,000 supportive housing units using unspent funds.  
• Coordinate with other levels of government to provide housing alongside social services when Canadians need them. 

3. Drive better mental health outcomes

Because not all mental health care is free, government must cover all mental health, addictions, and substance use health care under Canada’s universal health care system. 

• Oblige provinces and territories to spend more on mental health and addictions by amending the Canada Health Act or writing a new law with permanent funding. 
• Increase funding for mental health, addictions, and substance use health care to at least 12% of the healthcare budget. 
• Track results across the country so that care can be improved.  

Check back next week for more election news.