Healthy Increase Needed in Transfers to Provinces to Address COVID-19 Impacts on Mental Health

2 minute read

With the country in the midst of a second wave, doctors and researchers continue to learn more about the negative health and wellness effects caused by the COVID-19 virus. While a lot has already been documented about the physical symptoms, the impact of the virus and public health restrictions on Canadians’ mental health are becoming even more apparent. With further pressure on an already stretched healthcare system, the longstanding tensions between the federal, provincial and territorial governments around the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) have been thrust into the spotlight. After several private and public asks from the Premiers to the Prime Minister and Minister of Health, there has been a noticeable absence of a commitment to increase the CHT.

The debate around CHT increases enters a critical juncture as Canada prepares for the winter months. It is well-documented that the isolation that winter brings, even in normal years, can substantially impact mental health and lead to seasonal affective disorder. Health systems and mental health professionals across Canada continue to sound the alarm for additional support as they prepare for an influx of patients due to COVID-19 social distancing and isolation guidelines. For example, a recent Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) survey found that the mental health of the majority of the participants is significantly worse than when the pandemic began.

Tackling this growing mental health crisis needs a coordinated approach, with additional support from the Federal government provided to the provinces and territories. With $188 billion earmarked for health care this year in provincial and territorial budgets, only $42 billion (22 percent) will come from the CHT. Over the past few months, Canada’s Premiers have asked the Federal government to increase the CHT to cover 35 percent of all provincial health care costs. With no CHT commitment in the Speech from the Throne, the calls have become even more public in an attempt to get the attention of the Prime Minister with the most recent attempt by Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard, who announced in his fiscal update that the province is seeking an additional $6.2 billion under the CHT beginning in 2021-22.

In early December, the first ministers will be meeting again with an agenda dedicated towards the CHT and long-term health care funding. It remains to be seen whether an agreement will emerge from the meeting. One thing for certain is that an urgent solution for increased healthcare support across the country is needed sooner rather than later. 

As winter approaches, it is important to seek out help if you need it and to check in with family, friends, and colleagues. Be sure to visit www.cmha.ca to access some of their helpful resources.

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