Question Period Note: Federal Approach to Addressing Complex Needs: Intersections of Mental Illness, Substance Use, Homelessness and Crime

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• The intersections between mental illness, substance use, homelessness, and public safety and crime are complex.
• Improving access to integrated, patient-centered mental health and substance use services is central to the Government of Canada’s approach.
• The government will provide $25 billion over 10 years to provinces/territories via tailored bilateral agreements to support integrated mental health and substance use initiatives.
• In addition, the federal government continues to provide significant support to provinces and territories to address needs related to housing and social services.
IF PRESSED ON FEDERAL ACTION FOR ADDRESSING COMPLEX NEEDS
• Increased numbers of individuals experiencing mental health and substance use issues alongside homelessness are realities for many municipalities in jurisdictions across Canada, as are concerns around public safety.
• Multi-sector/partner and community-based approaches are necessary to address issues related to mental illness, substance use, homelessness, and crime.
• The Government is committed to working with PTs and community partners to address these complex issues.
IF PRESSED ON MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE
• The Government recognizes that the overdose crisis is one of the most serious public health crises in recent Canadian history.
• Through the Substance Use and Addictions Program, we have committed more than $400 million since 2017 in over 380 projects to support community-based organizations that address substance use issues.
• Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund, the Government is investing $39 million to address multiple risk and protective factors to promote mental health amongst populations susceptible to mental health inequities.

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