Young people across Canada are struggling with their mental health. Timely access to the right services and supports within their communities can help create lasting and meaningful improvements in the mental health of youth and for their families.
Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, and Lionel Carmant, Quebec's Minister Responsible for Social Services and the Fight Against Homelessness, announced a new agreement that will provide the Province of Quebec with $70.8 million over four years through the Youth Mental Health Fund.
This investment will help Quebec strengthen the networks of Integrated Youth Services (IYS). It aims to improve equitable access to comprehensive health care-both physical and mental-in order to better meet the needs of young people and promote their well-being. Thanks to this support, more youth facing physical or mental health challenges will be able to access the services they need. Many of these youth, who are often underserved, face disproportionate barriers to accessing high-quality care.
This funding will, among other things, make it possible to expand Quebec's Aire Ouverte model. Youth will have access to a range of services in one place, including mental health and substance use support, physical and sexual health, youth and family peer support, and social services. Established in 2018, Quebec's Aire Ouverte IYS model offers comprehensive services, including mental health services, to young people aged 12 to 25 in a free and confidential manner.
The government of Canada, in collaboration with the government of Quebec, remains committed to supporting the mental health of young people everywhere in Canada, providing them with timely access to services and supports in their communities.
