During Mental Health Week in Canada and all year round, we encourage people across the country to embody the 2022 theme of #GetReal. This year's theme is all about the importance of empathy, making space for people to talk openly about their well-being, and really listening with kindness to break the stigma that surrounds mental health and mental illness.
We all know that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant effect on the mental health and substance use of our family members, friends and colleagues. Now more than ever, it is critical that everyone in Canada has access to the services and supports they need, as well as effective tools, including credible and reliable information about mental health and substance use to support their well-being.
Our government is committed to supporting the mental health of everyone in Canada and we will continue to invest in mental health and substance use resources. We are investing $100 million over three years to address the needs of populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19. We are also providing $45 million over two years to develop national standards for mental health, in collaboration with provinces and territories, health organizations, and key stakeholders. In addition, Budget 2022 provided $140 million over two years to Health Canada to continue providing virtual mental health and substance use supports via the Wellness Together Canada portal.
