Mental Health Strategy for Canada
This strategy was published in 2012. The data may be out of date.
The Mental Health Strategy for Canada
Changing Directions, Changing Lives, released in May 2012, is the first mental health strategy for Canada. It aims to help improve the mental health and well-being of all people living in Canada, and to create a mental health system that can truly meet the needs of people living with mental health problems and illnesses and their families.
A blueprint for change
Mental health concerns us all. Mother, father, neighbour, friend – one in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness every year, with a cost of well over $50 billion to our economy. And many people either don’t seek or can’t get the services and supports they need to recover a meaningful life.
The Strategy draws on the experience, knowledge and wisdom of thousands of people across the country, and provides an opportunity for everyone’s efforts – large and small – to help bring about change.
Transforming Canada’s mental health system
A first phase of work was completed in 2009 with the release of Toward Recovery and Well-Being: A Framework for a Mental Health Strategy for Canada, which put forward a vision and broad goals for transforming the mental health system.
The Strategy translates this vision into 26 priorities and 109 recommendations for action, grouped under the following 6 Strategic Directions:
- Promote mental health across the lifespan in homes, schools, and workplaces, and prevent mental illness and suicide wherever possible.
- Foster recovery and well-being for people of all ages living with mental health problems and illnesses, and uphold their rights.
- Provide access to the right combination of services, treatments and supports, when and where people need them.
- Reduce disparities in risk factors and access to mental health services, and strengthen the response to the needs of diverse communities and Northerners.
- Work with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to address their mental health needs, acknowledging their distinct circumstances, rights and cultures.
- Mobilize leadership, improve knowledge, and foster collaboration at all levels.
To see a summary of our internal review of the Strategy as well as Health Canada’s evaluation click here.
Join the conversation: #MHCCstrategy
Related Initiatives
Informing the Future
Mental Health Indicators for Canada
Stigma and Discrimination
Changing How We See Mental Ilness
Resources
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) created Changing Directions, Changing Lives: The Mental Health Strategy for Canada to draw on the experience, knowledge and wisdom of thousands of people across the country and provide an opportunity for everyone’s efforts – large and small – to help bring about change. We are using this foundational document to map a course of action. Click on the links below for more information.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division (CMHA Alberta) and Centre for Suicide Prevention, the…
The Mental Health Commission of Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division (CMHA Alberta) and Centre for Suicide Prevention, the…
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) recognizes the importance of ensuring that its programs and policies are informed by the knowledge of people who have lived and living experience…
Stepped Care 2.0 (SC2.0) is a transformative approach in mental health and substance use health systems. This document details key lessons from its implementation across Canada from reports, meetings, and…
Taking the pulse of older adults, caregivers, health-care providers, researchers, educators, and policy makers This report highlights the findings of a study conducted for the Mental Health Commission of Canada…
When and where to seek help if you are thinking about suicide in Saskatchewan The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Saskatchewan…
2023-2024 Impact Report Partnerships in Action Download the report Broad, strategic collaboration has been central to the work of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) since its inception. As…
The MHCC partnered with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) to examine what is currently known about the relationship between alcohol use and suicide, who is most…
Theme for 2024 – “Money on your Mind. Talk about it! Financial Literacy Month (FLM) occurs every November to promote the importance of financial literacy and to help people in…
According to Statistics Canada (2022), suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults (15-34 years).[1] Approximately 17 to 20 per cent of all adolescent deaths…
Structural stigma in policies and models of care means unequal treatment for people living with mental health versus physical health conditions. Accredited by the Canadian College of Health Leaders, and…
An E-Mental Health Strategy for Canada In response to the burgeoning use of e-mental health (e-MH) solutions and resources in Canada, the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) developed the…