Research shows that no province or territory is spending what they should be on mental health.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver, BC (November 19, 2024) — Through a first-of-its-kind report, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is providing an in-depth look at the mental health system in Canada — with all its strengths and failings — and how people are faring, in every province and territory. The findings are troubling and there is a path forward for change.
In total, this deep-dive report showcases 24 indicators of the state of mental health in Canada, from how much is being spent on care, to rates of suicide and levels of discrimination against people with mental health concerns. The most recent statistics from the report show that the mental health of Canadians is three times worse than before COVID-19 and millions of people can’t get the care they need.
Alarmingly, one of the findings of The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024 is that no jurisdiction is spending enough on mental health, in part because they’re not obliged to. Provinces and territories are only spending an average of 6.3% of their overall health budgets on mental health, which leaves Canada lagging behind many peer countries (15% in France, 11% in Germany, 9% in the UK and Sweden). This doesn’t even meet the level of spending called for in Canada’s own, outdated mental health strategy.
Our report highlights both progress and pressing challenges in British Columbia’s mental health landscape. While BC leads nationally in early intervention programs and crisis care reform, and has made significant strides in developing comprehensive substance use treatment options, critical gaps remain. Most urgently, we must strengthen patient rights protections under the Mental Health Act and intensify our response to the toxic drug crisis. Particularly concerning is that BC reports the highest rates of mental health stigma and discrimination in Canada – a barrier that continues to prevent many from seeking help.
“While British Columbia has made historic investments in mental health and substance use services, with meaningful systemic changes taking root through the former Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, significant challenges remain,” said Jonny Morris, CEO of CMHA BC. “Our report reveals that an alarming number of British Columbians still face above-average barriers when seeking mental health and addiction services. We cannot overlook the fundamental role that stable housing, livable income, and strong social supports play in mental wellness. Without these basic foundations, even the most robust healthcare systems cannot fully address our communities’ mental health needs.”
The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024 also highlights promising innovations, like universal, publicly funded mental health care in Nova Scotia, mobile crisis teams across three provinces, and Inuit paraprofessionals providing culturally appropriate care in Nunavut.
British Columbia is notably leading the way in mental health promotion, early intervention services, and crisis care reform, with the report spotlighting three programs delivered by CMHA BC: BounceBack, Confident Parents: Thriving Kids, and Peer Assisted Care Teams.
“This report clearly demonstrates where our investments are driving positive change,” says Morris. “However, with the integration of Mental Health and Addictions into the Ministry of Health, we must not only maintain our momentum but accelerate it. Every British Columbian deserves immediate access to mental health support when they reach out for help. This isn’t just about healthcare delivery – it’s about our fundamental commitment to human dignity and wellbeing.”
To address the state of Mental Health across Canada, CMHA recommends the federal government prioritize the mental health and well-being of Canadians, write mental health care into federal law, and to ensure adequate health care spending in mental health, addictions, and substance use services. As it stands, CMHA’s report shows that millions of people in need of support aren’t getting it—an alarming reality with real consequences.
For more information about the report and to learn about the state of mental health in your community, please visit cmha.ca/somh.
Key statistics from the State of Mental Health in Canada 2024:
- On average, provinces and territories are only spending 6.3% of their overall health budgets on mental health. They should be spending 12%.
- 5 million people with mental health needs in Canada reported that they weren’t getting adequate care. That’s about equal to the population of Manitoba and Saskatchewan combined.
- Canadians report having “poor” or “fair” mental health three times more often than before the pandemic (26% in 2021 compared to 8.9% in 2019).
- An alarming 38% of Indigenous Peoples reported their mental health was “poor” or “fair.
- Fifty-seven percent (57%) of young people (aged 18-24) who had early signs of a mental illness said that cost was an obstacle to getting mental health services.
- Only 50% of people with mental health disabilities are employed and a significant number who aren’t, depend on income supports that keep them in poverty.
- Canada is failing to collect key information about the mental health system and population mental health, while existing data is variable in quality and coverage across the country.
- British Columbia has been leading the way in investing in early intervention services and crisis care reform.
- BC reports higher-than-average rates of housing unaffordability, homelessness, and poverty.
- BC has the highest rate of stigma and discrimination in Canada.
- BC reports a higher distribution of psychiatrists (14.8 per 100,000 people) compared to the Canadian average (13.1) however the reported rate of unmet/partially met need for MHASU care is higher in BC than the Canadian average (9.4% vs. 7.8%).
- Hospital readmission rates within 30 days are 15.3% compared to 13.4% across Canada.
- BC has been a standout in harm reduction policies but support has been waning.
About CMHA BC
Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division (CMHA BC) is part of one of Canada’s most enduring and recognized charitable organizations, working towards a vision of Canada where everyone can realize their human right to their best possible mental health. In addition to mental health promotion, training and education and direct delivery of mental health services, we engage in advocacy to improve the mental health and substance use systems of care in BC.
For media inquiries:
Phone: 604.353.8159
Email: media@cmha.bc.ca