Ottawa is creating a $500 million fund to help community health organizations provide more mental health care to young people.
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland made the announcement Tuesday in Ottawa alongside other cabinet ministers, including Ya’ara Saks, minister of mental health and addictions.
“Many Canadians right now are facing stress and anxiety due to war, geopolitical unrest, climate change and financial strains,” Saks said.
“In this context, young people often do not have the tools they need to confront these spaces.”
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During the 2021 election campaign, the Liberals promised a similar fund for post-secondary institutions to help with student mental health.
It was not immediately clear Tuesday whether the new fund is intended to fulfill that commitment.
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Saks said the government chose to fund community organizations to take a broader approach, given that not all young people are on post-secondary campuses.
The fund is the latest in a series of campaign-style pre-budget announcements from the Liberal government.
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the budget will focus on young people, particularly helping them own or rent affordable housing.
Freeland will present the federal budget next Tuesday.
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