Question Period Note: Supporting the Mental Health of Childern, Youth and Post-Secondary Students

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• The Government recognizes that ADHD affects over one million Canadians and poses a significant mental health challenge to both children and adults.
• Through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), our government is supporting research to advance our understanding of ADHD.
• CIHR is also funding two projects assessing the long-term impacts and compounding risks of various drug-based interventions.
• In addition, the Government is supporting the Kids Brain Health Network through the Networks of Centres of Excellence program, with an investment of $50.8 million from 2009-24.
IF PRESSED ON SUPPORT FOR INTEGRATED YOUTH SERVICES
• The Government continues to work with provinces, territories, and stakeholders to help develop and expand Integrated Youth Services (IYS) models of care.
• In November of 2022, the government announced $18 million dollars to fund integrated youth projects and develop a “network of networks” as well as an Integrated Youth Services National Data Framework and Infrastructure.
• The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has invested $6.4 million in 35 research projects to examine existing standards, best practices and guidelines for the delivery of mental health and substance use services for children, youth and young adults.
IF PRESSED ON PANDEMIC RELATED SUPPORTS
• In April 2020 and in response to the pandemic, the government launched Wellness Together Canada, an online mental health and substance use portal. Through the portal, parents and caregivers of children with ADHD can access mental health services and supports.
• The Government is also investing approximately $100M over 3 years in projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, including youth.
IF PRESSED ON ENGAGEMENT
• In October 2022, I met with representatives of two of the organizations that developed the Action Plan to Improve Equitable Access to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Care in Canada in order to engage and hear their perspectives on key issues.
• We continue to engage with children, youth, students, stakeholders and Canadians of all backgrounds, including individuals with lived and living experience to help advance the government’s commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young Canadians.

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