Letter to Editor regarding the article "Time for Ottawa to come up with cash for mental health." (Chronicle Herald - May 9, 2012)

2012-70
May 11, 2012
For immediate release

OTTAWA - I am writing to respond to your May 9 editorial, "Time for Ottawa to come up with case for mental health."

Our Government is committed to improving mental health.

Since 2007, we have invested $240 million in the Mental Health Commission of Canada to advance the issue of mental health, including the development of a national strategy and research on homelessness. We continue to provide $245 million annually in support of on-reserve mental health and addictions programming.

We also continue to support mental health research. Since 2006, we have funded more than $300 million in mental health research, and Economic Action Plan 2012 included new research funding that will focus on suicide prevention and the treatment of post-traumatic stress.

Our government will continue to work with provinces and territories, Aboriginal communities, professionals and Canadians on this issue.

Sincerely,

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health

-30-