QUESTION PERIOD — Health
Youth Mental Health
April 18, 2024
My question is for the Government Representative. Senator Gold, Budget 2024 announced $500 million over five years starting in 2024-25 for the creation of a new youth mental health fund, an announcement that I and so many others were pleased to hear about.
My question today is about the parameters of the program, and is a question that probably is the most popular question in the last few days: How will “youth” be defined by the program? Will there be an age cut-off or is that for the local programs receiving the funds to determine? This question comes from youth and those who feel they may not be in the category of youth.
As many of us in this chamber regrettably probably feel as well.
It is an important question. Thank you. Unfortunately, I don’t have an answer. This funding was just announced in Budget 2024. I can assure you, however, that as the government looks to design this new youth mental health fund, it will be engaging with youth, community organizations, experts, communities and other interested parties to ensure that this new initiative truly responds to the needs of youth. They’ll have a voice in this.
Thank you. This may be a bit soon, but I am also wondering if the government at this moment intends to give these funds directly to youth mental health programs in Canadian communities, and if so, what will that look like?
You are correct, senator, it is a bit early as it was just announced and the budget has not even yet been passed. I’m really not in a position to provide you a specific answer. Thank you.
