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In Canada, mental health is a privilege. It should be a right.

We aren’t expected to pay for life-saving cancer care so why are we paying for life-saving mental health care?

CMHA’s report, The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024, is a first-of-its-kind deep dive into the landscape of mental health, addictions, and substance use health care in Canada using data from across the country.

So how is Canada doing in supporting the mental health of its people? Not great.

At a glance

A bar graph shows that Canada spends less (6.3%) than what peer countries spend on mental health care (15% in France, 11% in Germany, 9% in the UK and Sweden) as part of overall healthcare budgets.
Mental health care is grossly underfunded, and mental health is often a privilege available only to those who can afford it
A venn diagram representing urban, rural, and remote living as being unequal
Access to care depends on where you live and Indigenous and racialized people face the greatest barriers to care
A jigsaw puzzle of a map of Canada missing pieces
Data about mental health in Canada is severely lacking

Canada is falling behind

Pamela, former NCPLE member in BC says, "Impoverishment of universal healthcare leads to the impoverishment of individuals, and that trickles down and leads to intersecting issues like addictions and homelessness. Those things can be stopped if the social safety net is intact."

Finding a way forward

While it sheds light on some grim realities, The State of Mental Health in Canada is fundamentally about finding the path forward and highlights trailblazing mental health, addictions, and substance use health care solutions in every province and territory. These pockets of innovation shine a light on the opportunities for better mental health care across Canada. The report also provides a roadmap for government to improve mental health care.

What can you do?

Your support is essential

Explore The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024

The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024 report
The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024 summary report
The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024: At-a-Glance
The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024: Pockets of Innovation map
The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024: Pockets of Funding (factsheet)
The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024: Canada Health Act in the spotlight (factsheet)
The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024: Gender in the spotlight (factsheet)
The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024: Youth in the spotlight (factsheet)

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