M-31 Spending for mental health services

That:

(a) the House recognize that,

(i) Canada is experiencing a mental health and substance use crisis,

(ii) too many Canadians are unable to access mental health or substance use supports in a timely manner,

(iii) lack of access to community-based mental health and substance use services increases demands on hospital emergency rooms and primary care providers,

(iv) untreated or inadequately treated mental illness carries significant social and economic costs,

(v) the percentage of health care spending directed to mental health services is significantly lower in Canada compared to peer countries such as the United Kingdom, France and Germany; and

(b) in the opinion of the House, the government should,

(i) adopt a target of health care spending directed to mental health, addictions and substance use health services that is at least 12% of total health care spending in Canada,

(ii) work with the provinces and territories to establish a plan and timeline to meet this target,

(iii) report to Parliament annually on progress towards achieving this target.