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Inquire

We Inquire

With nearly 12 million Canadians lacking access to employer-funded psychological services, 1.6 million people reporting an unmet need for mental health care, and 5 in 6 children unable to access treatment, our country is at once-in-a-generation cross-roads.

At the Mental Health Commission of Canada, we inquire about what works, what doesn’t, and why. We research and articulate leading practices found in Canada and around the world. Then we translate the answers into practical guidelines, frameworks, and standards, and get them into the hands of the people who need them.

We inquire to open minds to a better future.

1.1 – Identify what works to erase the duplication of effort and multiply the impact of innovation.

1.2 – Drive system transformation through the development of meaningful mental health measures.

Below, you’ll find links to all our “Inquire” projects and programs. Please note that some of our projects fit multiple strategic objectives, so you may see them on more than one page.

Aug 09, 2023

Roots of Hope – A Community Suicide Prevention Project: Backgrounder

Roots of Hope is a community-based model that supports populations across Canada in reducing the impact of suicide in their local context. The model builds on community expertise to implement…

Jul 28, 2023

Roundtable on Mental Health and Substance Use Health Polling Report

Key findings Context This report describes speaker presentations, major themes, and key takeaways from an invitation-only virtual roundtable in February 2023. The event, which we hosted with the Canadian Centre…

May 11, 2023

How to write a brilliant blog post in 10 steps

Choose a topic: Before you start writing, choose a topic that interests you. Research popular topics and see what other bloggers write about. Hint: health, wellness and mental health are popular topics.

Mar 04, 2022

The Impact of COVID-19 on Rural and Remote Mental Health and Substance Use

Purpose This policy brief provides an overview of the developing issues and unique mental health and substance use challenges that COVID-19 poses for rural and remote communities. It builds on…

Mar 01, 2022

Amplifying Black Experiences in Cannabis and Mental Health Research – Key Takeaways

Moderated by Dr. Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) hosted a virtual dialogue series to identify research priorities and explore challenges and opportunities in the areas of…

Mar 01, 2022

Amplifying Black Experiences in Cannabis and Mental Health Research: Virtual Dialogue Series

The Virtual Dialogue Series summarized in this report focused specifically on the experience and perspectives of Black communities. It engaged about 50 individuals, including researchers, service providers, and people with lived experience in open discussions about where and why research gaps exist, what the barriers might be, and which high-priority topics should be pursued. The dialogues took a distinctions-based approach, recognizing that, while various communities may have similar experiences that overlap, all have their own unique needs.

Dec 13, 2021

Mental Health and Substance Use During COVID-19: Spotlight on Youth, Older Adults & Stigma

Serious impact from COVID-19 on mental health and substance use continues, especially among youth A new report from the series of Leger polls commissioned by the Mental Health Commission of…

Nov 22, 2021

Quick Facts: Mental Health & Chronic Disease

Physical chronic diseases often co-occur with mental health problems and illnesses. To further explore this relationship, we have developed several resources in collaboration with the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, including a scoping…

Nov 01, 2021

How Can I Help Someone in Mental Distress?

Approach & Assess – Invite the person to talk. – If there is a risk of suicide or harm, reach out to First Responders. Listen Without Judging– Help the person…