Out of the Shadows at Last - May 2006
Transforming Mental Health, Mental Illness and Addiction Services in Canada
The Honourable Michael J. L. Kirby, Chair
The Honourable Wilbert Joseph Keon, Deputy Chair
The Canadian Senate's Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology has released its final report: a comprehensive review of policies and programs related to mental health, mental illness and addiction in Canada, as well as a comparison of the Canadian Mental Health system with that of several other countries.
The Committee believes that implementing the recommendations contained in this report will allow, for the first time, national resources to be channelled into fostering the mental health of Canadians. They will also establish a solid basis for maintaining a national focus on mental health issues and pave the way for the further development of a national approach to mental health, mental illness and addiction in Canada.
Canadian Mental Health Association, National Office The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) National Office, exists to promote the mental health of all people and to serve mental health consumers, their families and friends. Founded in 1918, it is one of the oldest voluntary organizations in Canada.
Each year, CMHA provides direct service to more than 100,000 Canadians through the combined efforts of more than 10,000 volunteers and staff in locally run organizations in all provinces and territories, and branches in more than 135 communities.
Its work focuses on combating mental health problems and emotional disorders. Its tools include research and information services, sponsored research projects, workshops, seminars, pamphlets, newsletters and resource centres.
It runs programs that assist with employment, housing, early intervention for youth, peer support and recreation services for people with mental illness, stress reduction workshops and public education campaigns for the community.
In addition, CMHA acts as a social advocate to encourage public action and commitment to strengthening community mental health services and legislation and policies affecting services. All its mental health projects are based on principles of empowerment, peer and family support, participation in decision-making, citizenship, and inclusion in community life.
Citizens for Mental Health Final Report
What is Citizens for Mental Health?
Citizens for Mental Health was a 22-month CMHA project funded through Health Canada as part of the Sectoral Involvement in Departmental Policy Development (SIDPD), Voluntary Sector Initiative. The purpose of Citizens for Mental Health was to: Strengthen the capacity of voluntary sector stakeholders for meaningful participation in national level policy initiatives by engaging them in the process of developing a national mental health policy framework.
To access the Prairie Region pages for Citizens for Mental Health click here.
Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health
CAMIMH was founded by the CPA, the Mood Disorders Association of Canada, the National Network for Mental Health, the Schizophrenia Society of Canada and the Canadian Mental Health Association. It has developed a framework paper for a national action plan. The paper serves as a vehicle for discussion among all stakeholders with the hope that a broad-based consensus will emerge on an action plan.
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