CMHA BC Policy and Advocacy Roadmap 2024
Mental health affects us all—whether personally or through someone we know. In British Columbia, nearly 1.7 million people will experience a mental illness or substance use disorder in their lifetime. The situation is critical, with rising mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing crisis of toxic drug deaths.
Despite the progress made over the past decade, including the creation of the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions and significant financial investments, BC still lacks a cohesive, high-quality system of care. The current approach—waiting for problems to escalate before intervening—is costly and ineffective and strains our health and justice systems.
At CMHA BC, we believe that mental health should be treated with the same urgency and importance as physical health. Our vision is a province where everyone can access quality mental health care promptly and with dignity. That’s why we’ve developed a comprehensive roadmap ahead of the 2024 Provincial Election, outlining 31 actionable recommendations for creating a voluntary, integrated, and holistic system of care in BC. This roadmap is designed to guide policymakers, strengthen the mandate of the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, and ensure that mental health and substance use care is accessible, equitable, and effective for all individuals living in British Columbia.
Explore our roadmap, “Mental Health for All,” and join us in advocating for a brighter, healthier future for BC.