From the Canadian Press–Ottawa is setting up a $500-million fund to help community health organizations provide more mental health care to young people.
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland made the announcement Tuesday in Ottawa alongside other cabinet ministers, including Ya’ara Saks, the minister of mental health and addictions.
“Many Canadians right now are facing stress and anxiety due to war, geopolitical unrest, climate change, and financial strains,” Saks said.
“In this context, young people often do not have the tools that they need to cope in navigating these spaces.”
During the 2021 election campaign, the Liberals promised a similar fund for post-secondary institutions to help with the mental health of students.
It was not immediately clear Tuesday whether the new fund is intended to meet that commitment.