An all-party committee has been formed by the Ontario legislature to help develop ways to improve access to mental health and addiction services in the province.

The Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions – with representatives from all three parties - will work with consumers, health-care providers, experts and other interested parties to determine mental health and addiction needs. The committee is expected to issue a report in 2010 that will identify mental health and addiction needs, explore innovative approaches to delivering services in the community and identify ways to leverage existing opportunities and initiatives within the current mental health
and addictions system.

The government has also established a Minister’s Advisory Group on Mental Health and Addictions made up of consumers, family members, providers and researchers from across the province. Input from both committees will be used to develop a long-term strategy for mental health and addiction.

“It’s time to bring this important issue out of the shadows and shine a light on solutions that address the challenges being faced in the delivery of mental health and addiction services,” said Health and Long-Term Care Minister David Caplan. “The all-party select committee and the advisory group provide a wonderful opportunity to ensure the voices of people living with mental illness and addictions are heard and acted upon.”