Question Period Note: MH of Black Canadians

Black Canadians experience multiple vulnerabilities related to their mental and physical health, largely due to underlying socio-economic conditions, including experiences of anti-Black racism.

We recognize the significant and unique challenges faced by Black Canadians, including anti-Black racism and its significant impacts on mental health.
In 2018, the Public Health Agency of Canada launched the Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund. With a budget of $10 million, the fund supports 23 community-based projects across Canada to generate culturally focused knowledge and evidence.
IF PRESSED ON COVID-RELATED INVESTMENTS…
Budget 2021 committed further investments in mental health promotion and mental illness prevention for those most affected by COVID-19.
With these investments, the Public Health Agency of Canada launched directed and targeted Calls for Proposals in August 2021 to previous applicants who did not receive funding from the over-subscribed Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund. Nine additional community-based projects are being supported through this funding.

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In 2021, more than 1.5 million people in Canada reported being Black. The Black population now accounts for 4.3% of Canada’s total population and 16.1% of the population defined as a visible minority.
Black Canadians remain one of the most disadvantaged populations due to a broad range of socioeconomic inequities which contribute to differences in health outcomes.
27.9% of Black Canadians reported fair or poor mental health in the early months of the pandemic, compared to 22.9% of White Canadians.
32% of Black Canadians reported symptoms consistent with moderate/severe generalized anxiety disorder, compared to 24.2% of White Canadians, also during the early months of the pandemic.
37.5% of Black Canadians reported a moderate or severe impact of COVID-19 on their ability to meet financial obligations or essential needs, compared to 22.1% of White Canadians.