In 2017, our government signed a targeted health agreement with Manitoba that included $181.6 million over 10 years in support of initiatives to address mental health and addictions. It was important to ensure funding was available to support increasing needs in mental health care close to where you live. 

One in three Canadians will be affected by mental illness in their lifetime. Canadians are reporting an increase in stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. In fact, almost half of all Canadians have reported that their mental health has worsened since the beginning of the pandemic.

In 2020, we launched the Wellness Together Canada portal, which offers free mental health and substance use support and resources to help those suffering. It can be accessed by calling 1-866-585-0445 or wellnesstogether.ca. We also increased funding for Kids Help Phone, which saw an increased demand for its confidential 24/7 crisis support services. They can be reached at 1-800-668-6868 or kidshelpphone.ca.

As with physical health, our mental health is greatly affected by determinants of health such as housing, job security, employment and working conditions, and food insecurity. That is why we are accelerating investments through our Reaching Home National Housing Strategy to create more affordable housing in Winnipeg and supporting organisations like New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults and Families.

If you are in need of help, or just need someone to talk to, please reach out. Locally, there are many great organisations such as Sara Riel (204-942-9276) and Klinic Community Health (204-786-8686) that offer 24-hour crisis and support lines. Please reach out if you need.

As Manitoba goes through this third wave, please take care of yourselves and each other.