TORONTO, March 23, 2023 — “We are pleased that today’s budget commits significant new funding to mental health and addictions. These investments are critical to begin to stabilize community child and youth mental health and address the growing demand for mental health care services in Ontario.

The new investments of $425 million into mental health and addictions, as well as the commitment to allocate additional funding and work with pediatric partners to connect kids to the care they need, demonstrate the government recognizes the urgent needs of children, youth and families across Ontario.

Decades of chronic underfunding, the current shortage of mental health professionals, combined with the toll of the pandemic on our kids is making the situation increasingly dire for Ontario families. The budget is a very positive indication of the government’s desire to change this, and CMHO is committed to working collaboratively with the government to build a system that supports timely, equitable and quality care for all.”

– Tatum Wilson, CEO, Children’s Mental Health Ontario

Media Contact
Jessica Behnke, Director, Strategic Relations and Communications
jbehnke@cmho.org

About Children’s Mental Health Ontario

Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) is the association representing Ontario’s public providers of child and youth mental health services. Our nearly 100 member organizations operate in every region of the province, providing treatment and support to infants, children, youth and families. Services include targeted prevention, early intervention, short- and long-term counselling and therapy, addictions services, intensive services and acute care. With the combined strength of our members, partners, youth and families, our primary goal is to promote a coordinated and high performing system of care that puts children, youth, and families first, so that young people get the mental health supports they need to thrive.