Provincial, territorial ministers meet to tackle mental health, addiction challenges

Provincial and territorial ministers responsible for mental health, addiction and recovery met on September 24 to strengthen collaboration and share best practices on issues affecting Canadians’ well-being.

The inaugural meeting focused on building system capacity, addressing service gaps, and enhancing supports for people with serious mental health or substance use challenges. Ministers also committed to working with Indigenous governments and organizations to ensure culturally responsive programs and advocate for federal funding to support Indigenous-led services.

Key priorities discussed included seeking long-term federal funding partnerships, advocating for integrated youth services and early intervention, and aligning federal research funding with provincial and territorial needs to support evidence-based care.

To foster ongoing collaboration, ministers announced the creation of a Provincial-Territorial Forum of Ministers Responsible for Mental Health, Addiction, and Recovery, aimed at improving coordination of policies and programs across the country.

“The federal partnership is essential to sustaining and expanding the services our communities rely on,” said Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction and chair of the new forum. “By working together and aligning our efforts, we can strengthen supports, close service gaps, and ensure that all Canadians—especially those most at risk—receive the care they need.”

The ministers emphasized that health, including mental health and addiction services, remains a provincial and territorial responsibility and called for federal collaboration that reflects regional priorities and populations.