Mental Illness and Addiction have been identified as at the front of the issues on our streets – Homelessness and Poverty. What services and facilities addressing these issues do you support in our riding and where will the funding come from? And does the electorate deserve the right to vote on funding decisions?
Previous governments have looked at band-aid solutions to the symptoms of this emergency, when experts tell us that we need to be addressing the roots of mental illness to make an impact.
The Green Party proposes a multi-tiered approach to this issue, following recommendations from experts. We are proposing $1 billion be spent over four years to address mental health within the medical services plan.
Cost should never be a barrier to accessing mental health services. Early intervention strategies for youth mental health, and mental health education are critical.
We plan to develop a loneliness strategy, and provide accessible services for people dealing with anxiety and depression. We will invest in facilities where mental health is addressed, from early intervention, to detoxification beds, to rehabilitation, so all stages of mental health and addiction are addressed.
And of course, we need to make our society one where people live in a state of general well-being, where fears regarding jobs, economic stability, health, and housing are not creating anxiety and depression which so often lead to more serious issues.
By voting for the Green Party, you will be choosing this multi-tiered approach to addressing our mental health crisis.
Candidates responses to this question have been added in the order received. Go to the Election Questions list to see questions that have been submitted to the Forum.
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