OTTAWA – In an appearance before the House of Commons Finance Committee, Mental Health Commission of Canada Vice President Jennifer Vornbrock today called on the federal government to make a commitment to renew the mandate of the Commission. Created in 2007 by the current government, the mandate of the Mental Health Commission is due to expire in 2017.
Citing a track record of operational performance and fiscal prudence, Ms. Vornbrock urged committee members to recommend an extension of the Commission’s mandate as a component of their pre-budget report to the House of Commons, stating; “We have enjoyed an excellent partnership with the Government of Canada, and today I am here to ask that we be able to continue our work together.”
Over the seven years since its creation, the Mental Health Commission has:
- Worked with stakeholders across the country to create the Mental Health Strategy for Canada;
- Trained over 100,000 Canadians to deliver Mental Health First Aid;
- Launched the world’s first National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety;
- Completed a pan-Canadian anti-stigma campaign;
- Overseen a major, five-city homelessness research project that has delivered results that showed that for every $10 invested in Housing First, over $20 are saved in avoided service costs.
“Our work to date reflects the voices and wisdom of thousands of Canadians,” added Louise Bradley, President & CEO of the Commission. “We now need to take the Strategy and create and implement a Mental Health Action Plan which will improve the lives of those experiencing mental health problems and illnesses and their families.”
The Mental Health Commission of Canada has filed a pre-budget submission with the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, as well as a brief that is available online. Remarks delivered to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance by Jennifer Vornbrock, VP, Knowledge and Innovation
ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for change. We are collaborating with hundreds of partners to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support. Our goal is to help people who live with mental health problems and illnesses lead meaningful and productive lives. Together we create change. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada.
www.mentalhealthcommission.ca
Media Contact:
Patti Robson
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Office: 613-683- 3742
Mobile: 613-282-1573
probson@mentalhealthcommission.ca
