NDP Demands Ford Gov’t Return $335 Million/yr Cut From Mental Health Services
QUEEN’S PARK, ON – The NDP is demanding the Ford government reverse its deep cut to Ontario’s already threadbare mental health services.
NDP MPP for Scarborough Southwest Doly Begum made the demand Tuesday during question period at Queen’s Park.
“Last year, Toronto Police responded to over 23,000 mental health disturbance calls,” said Begum. “There were 12,000 children waiting up to 18 months to access mental health services. And front-line hospital staff experienced record levels of violence on the job.”
Despite the evidence that more mental health supports are needed in Ontario, Ford and his government have slashed funding for mental health care and programming by a whopping $330 million per year.
“For years, mental health professionals have been calling on the government to increase the number of supportive housing units to enable those facing mental health challenges to get the help that they need. In my community of Scarborough, like communities around the province, people are waiting more than 10 years to get a supportive housing space.
“It is painfully clear that Ontarians need more mental health services, not less.”
