Statement by Addictions and Mental Health Ontario on Today’s Announcement Regarding Mental Health and Justice

November 17, 2020

“Supporting people with mental illness and addiction who are in crisis and who are interacting with the police, or involved with the legal system is much needed. We welcome the elements of today’s announcement that will expand some community services, such as supportive housing, case management and addiction supports. However, we believe a fundamental re-think is needed of how mental health and addiction crisis and justice services are delivered. That re-think should be rooted in a commitment to people’s health and wellbeing, equity and justice, and the importance of the social determinants of health.

AMHO continues to call for more engagement on and faster implementation of the Government’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy, The Roadmap to Wellness, which strives to create a more comprehensive and connected mental health system. We believe that progress on the plan could contribute to the re-think we envision. The work needs to start with the release of a comprehensive and coordinated $3.8 billion costed plan over ten years, that includes specific public targets for service improvements, from the provincial government.”

Adrienne Spafford, CEO