(TORONTO, June 8, 2018) Congratulations to Ontario’s 124 new Members of Provincial Parliament! Please see below for a statement from Gail Czukar, AMHO’s CEO, about the results of yesterday’s provincial election:
“Ontarians have spoken: mental health and addiction are a top priority.
“This election campaign was historic. For the first time, all major parties pledged significant investments in addiction and mental health care.
“We are excited about the momentum in our sector, and look forward to working with the new provincial government and all MPPs both now in this transition period and into the mandate to deliver on the commitments made to improve addiction and mental health services.
“We have a lot of work ahead, but the good news is that much of the legwork on how to improve the system and deliver better care at the right time and right place has already been done.
“For example, together with our members and partners we’ve developed a plan to help 100,000 more Ontarians get the mental health and addiction services and supports they need, closer to home, as well as add 3,000 new units of supportive housing a year over ten years.
“Our new government has the opportunity to solve hallway medicine and shepherd in a new era of healthcare – one that focuses on prevention, promotion and early interventions in the community.
“Advancing mental health and addiction is going to require the support of MPPs from all parties and a whole of government approach. We’ve got the evidence and the studies to build on – it’s time to get moving on smart investments that will improve lives, save lives and reduce the burdens on our hospitals and emergency departments. Let’s get going!”
To read more about AMHO’s recommendations to invest Where Change Happens, click here.
– 30 –
About Addictions and Mental Health Ontario
AMHO represents over 220 addictions and mental health care organizations across Ontario. Our members provide services and supports that help Ontarians across the province, including counselling and case management, peer support and family support, employment services, residential treatment, withdrawal management, supportive housing and hospital based programs.
As the collective voice of our members, we provide leadership and engage partners to build a comprehensive and accessible system of addiction and mental health care, and improve the well-being of individuals, families and communities in Ontario. We do this through policy work, advocacy initiatives, service development, knowledge exchange, education offerings and quality improvement work.
For more information, or to arrange an interview with Gail Czukar please contact:
Amy Tran
Communications Coordinator
Addictions and Mental Health Ontario
T: 416-490-8900 ext.239
amy.tran@amho.ca
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]