Jones: Calls on Minister of Health to Make Investments in Mental Health

Queen’s Park – Today, all members of the Progressive Conservative (PC) Caucus used their time in Question Period to highlight the failing mental health system in Ontario. Later today, the PC Caucus will put forward a motion for the Liberals to address the mental health system by making much needed investments.

MPP Sylvia Jones called on the Minister of Health to match the $1.9 billion federal transfer for mental health services and make the largest investment in mental health services in Canadian provincial history.

“According to Children’s Mental Health Ontario, over the last decade there has been a 67% increase in hospitalization for kids with mental health disorders. Meanwhile over the last 25 years there has been a 60% reduction in the capacity of children’s mental health services,” said Jones.

“When the Minister and I sat on the Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions all three parties made 23 recommendations to improve Ontario’s mental health system,” said Jones.

“In the report the Minister, myself and all committee members said “regardless of our political convictions we recognize that we must do better,” said Jones.

“All three parties need to standup and commit to dealing with the inadequacy of our mental health system,” said Jones.

Video Clip: https://youtu.be/I3ABFtThe4U