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Provincial and territorial ministers responsible for mental health, addiction and recovery have agreed to create a new forum aimed at advancing shared priorities and strengthening collaboration across Canada.
The group held its inaugural meeting Sept. 22, where ministers discussed growing challenges facing communities and the need to close service gaps. They committed to building system capacity, improving supports in both primary and acute care, and sharing approaches to help individuals with severe mental health or substance use issues who may pose a risk to themselves or others.
A key focus of the meeting was working more closely with Indigenous governments, communities and organizations. Ministers said Indigenous peoples continue to be disproportionately affected by addiction and mental health issues, particularly the addiction crisis, and emphasized the need for culturally responsive services backed by appropriate federal funding.
The ministers are also pushing for long-term federal commitments, including renewal of bilateral agreements, capital and operational investments, and support for integrated youth services. They stressed the importance of respecting the models each province and territory has developed to meet child and youth needs, with a particular focus on early intervention.
In addition, the ministers want federal research dollars, including those distributed through pan-Canadian health organizations, to align with their priorities and help drive evidence-based care that reflects local needs.
Alberta’s Rick Wilson, who chairs the new forum, said the provinces and territories are united in their goals. “Continued federal partnership is essential to sustaining and expanding the services our communities rely on,” he said. “By working together and aligning our efforts, we can strengthen supports, close service gaps, and ensure that all Canadians—especially those most at risk—receive the care they need.”
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