6 April 2024

On March 26, the Ford Government unveiled a record spending provincial budget with a plan to spend about $214.5 billion. While this budget provides support for infrastructure and other large scale projects across the province to support people in Ontario, it lacks the critical supports for our strained healthcare system and critical investments for improved mental health care access and services - including funding for setting up a Universal Mental Healthcare System in Ontario. 

Among many investments, Ontario Budget 2024 notably invests $124 million over three years to support the continuation of the Addictions Recovery Fund, $8.3 million over three years to add another five Youth Wellness Hubs across Ontario, $60 million over three years to maintain mental health and addictions services for indigenous communities, and investing $9 million over three years for Stonehenge Therapeutic Community and Guelph Community Health Centre to support individuals with complex, high acuity mental health and substance use issues.

While I am pleased with these investments in mental health and well-being, more is needed to ensure that youth, seniors, and everyone in Ontario has fair and equal access to mental health care and resources. Over the remainder of the year, I remain hopeful for critical investments for support in northern Ontario communities, support for a Universal Mental Health care System, and more. 

###

View Ontario Budget 2024

Related: Read the 2024 Mental Health Calls of Action