February 16, 2023 Ottawa, ON Public Health Agency of Canada
Supporting the mental health and well-being of people in Canada, particularly those who face disproportionate challenges because of systemic racism, discrimination, socio economic status or social exclusion, is a priority for the Government of Canada.
Today, during Black History Month, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, accompanied by the Honourable Members of Parliament Arielle Kayabaga and David McGuinty, announced an investment of over $365 thousand to The Centre for Resilience and Social Development for its project to promote positive mental health among Black youth in school districts across Ottawa.
This aspiring project aims to improve the mental health and well-being of Black youth in Ottawa School Districts through culturally informed mental health interventions, such as raising awareness of the role that social determinants of health play in shaping health behaviours and outcomes. It will also educate teachers, administrators, and parents about the unique mental health needs and challenges faced by Black youth in Canada. By promoting resilience and building capacity among the Black community, the project will help to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health support services for Black youth.
This announcement is part of a $100 million investment provided in Budget 2021 to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. By making strategic investments that address the specific challenges faced by Black Canadians, such as discrimination and stigma, we can ensure that people get the support they need, when and where they need it.
The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that mental health is treated as a full and integral part of our universal health system. We will continue working with provinces and territories to ensure all people in Canada are able to get the most appropriate mental health and substance use care, by the most appropriate provider at the most appropriate place, including virtually, wherever they live.
