Over the course of the pandemic, nearly half of Canadians say their mental health has worsened. This is particularly acute for children and youth, who have grappled with school and recreation program closures and the resulting social isolation. 70% of kids ages 6 to 18 report that the pandemic has harmed their mental health in at least one area, such as anxiety or attention span. Children and youth suicide attempt admissions have increased by 100% during the pandemic. Calls, texts, and clicks on Kids Help Phone’s online self-directed resources have more than doubled throughout the pandemic.
Given the ongoing child and youth mental health crisis, federal political parties brought forward ambitious mental health care policy plans in the 2021 election.
With a new federal Government formed and a Cabinet named, it is critical for children and youth and mental health organizations to continue advocating for mental health care investments, innovative program delivery, and wrap-around supports for kids and teens, especially those that face multiple barriers to accessing timely and culturally-relevant mental health care.
Join our panel on November 9 to hear from representatives of several national organizations working to improve the mental health of young people.
Moderator and Panelists
Moderator: Owen Charters, President and CEO, BGC Canada
- Margaret Eaton, National CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association
- Katherine Hay, President & CEO, Kids Help Phone
- Sydney John-Baptiste, BGC Canada’s National Youth Council member
- Jocelyn Formsma, Executive Director, National Association of Friendship Centres
- David Willis, Director of Toronto’s Lead Agency for Child and Youth Mental Health, Strides Toronto
With invited remarks from the Federal Minister of Health
Our panelists will unpack the ongoing child and youth mental health crisis across Canada, discuss policy and investment prescriptions that are built to tackle a crisis of this magnitude, and take audience questions around program innovation, advocacy, and collaboration.
REGISTER IN ADVANCE for November 9. There will be simultaneous translation in French for the event.
If you have any questions, please contact Josh Berman, Director of Research and Public Policy, at jberman@bgccan.com or 647-986-9024.
