August 18, 2022 | Montreal, Quebec | Public Health Agency of Canada
Distress centres are life-saving resources in our communities, and have seen a surge in demand for crisis services since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, Élisabeth Brière, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced an investment of $150,000 toward Tel-Aide Montréal to support its crisis line during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will help the organization manage increased demand by recruiting more listeners, and providing them with training and resources to help meet the diverse needs of callers.
This funding is part of a $50 million investment first announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement to support distress centres across Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.
All people in Canada, and particularly those from underserved communities or people with existing health inequalities, need access to critical health and mental health resources and services. As we work with provinces and territories on expanding virtual services, we are making sure that people in Canada can access crisis supports when they need them.
The federal government is committed to supporting people in Canada and their mental health and wellbeing through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. If you or a loved one is struggling, you can access the Wellness Together Canada portal, or call 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741 (adults) or 686868 (youth).
