Statement: Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Originally Published May 03, 2021

Alberta Liberal Party issues the following statement in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week. 

This first week of May marks Mental Health Awareness Week. During this week, we recognize the shared yet diverse mental health challenges many of us face. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a particularly trying time for everyone’s mental health. All of us have felt the burdens of isolation and uncertainty. It has never been more important to support one another and support ourselves. It also has never been more urgent for Governments to provide expanded mental health support. 

Alberta spends approximately two-thirds of what it should on mental health, based on recommendations from the Canada Mental Health Commission. This funding gap is leaving Albertans without the support they need to face their mental health challenges. That is why we support a $600 million increase in mental health funding. This funding would help expand critical services such as counselling, mental health programs for schools, prevention and public awareness programs, and more robust mental healthcare and primary healthcare integration. 

We will also continue to call for a Mental Health Task Force specifically mandated to examine the long-term implications of the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the mental health of Albertans.

Addressing mental health is just as important and just as valid as addressing physical health. We will continue to fight for the mental health programs Albertans need. 

If you or someone you love are struggling with mental health issues, you can learn more about the support available here.