Canada Day Countdown: Reflecting on Mental Health Progress

As Canada Day approaches on July 1, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the nation’s progress in mental health policy and workplace support.

At Medaca, we’re committed to fostering mental wellness, and this Canada Day, we celebrate the strides made while acknowledging the work still ahead. Here’s a look at key milestones, ongoing gaps, how Medaca contributes to this landscape, and what businesses can learn from national trends to enhance employee care.

A Timeline of Key Mental Health Initiatives in Canada

• 2012: The Mental Health Commission of Canada released its first Mental Health Strategy, emphasizing mental health promotion across homes, schools, and workplaces, and addressing disparities in access for diverse communities.
• 2017: Budget 2017 allocated $5 billion over ten years to provinces and territories for mental health and addiction services, with a focus on expanding community-based care for youth.
• 2020: The Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF) began supporting innovative, community-based programs to promote mental health, particularly for children, youth, and at-risk groups.
• 2023: The government invested $100 million to support mental health projects for populations affected by COVID-19, including social prescribing initiatives in Ontario.
• 2024: The Youth Mental Health Fund was launched with a $500 million investment over five years to enhance community-based mental health services for youth, prioritizing equity-deserving groups like Indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ youth.
• 2025: The first six projects under the Youth Mental Health Fund were announced, with over $46 million allocated to strengthen Integrated Youth Service (IYS) networks.

Milestones in Mental Health Policy

Canada has made significant progress in prioritizing mental health. The 2012 Mental Health Strategy set a foundation for a system that meets the needs of those with mental health challenges. The 2017 funding commitment marked a shift toward community-based care, recognizing the importance of accessible services for youth. The 2024 Youth Mental Health Fund, with its focus on equity, addresses critical gaps for underserved populations, such as Indigenous youth, where suicide rates are five to six times higher than among non-Indigenous peers (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2024).

Workplace mental health has also gained attention. The Mental Health Commission of Canada’s 13 Factors framework, introduced in 2013, guides organizations in fostering psychological health and safety. Programs like the MindsMatter tool, adopted by over 1,500 organizations by 2019, have helped employers assess and improve workplace mental health initiatives, benefiting millions of employees (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2019).

Medaca’s Role in Advancing Mental Health Care

Medaca Health Group has been a key player in Canada’s mental health landscape, evolving to meet changing needs. Initially focused on psychiatry through our innovative TeamCare model, Medaca provided coordinated, physician-led mental health care to ensure timely access to specialists.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Medaca expanded this model to include psychotherapy and virtual mental health support, responding to the surge in demand for accessible care. These virtual services allowed Medaca to reach employees and individuals across Canada, particularly in underserved areas, aligning with national efforts to improve access.

Today, Medaca’s comprehensive offerings - spanning psychiatry, psychotherapy, substance use specialists, and more - support workplaces in fostering mental wellness.

Current Gaps in Mental Health Support

Despite progress, challenges remain. Mental health care is underfunded by an estimated $3.1 billion annually, contributing to long wait times and limited access, particularly in rural areas (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2023). Emerging adults (18–25) face barriers transitioning from youth to adult services, with no national strategy addressing their unique needs. Additionally, only 23% of family physicians feel prepared to address mental health issues, despite 80% of mental health care relying on them (College of Family Physicians of Canada, 2022).

Workplace support also has gaps. While frameworks exist, many organizations lack the resources or training to implement them effectively. Stigma around mental health persists, discouraging employees from seeking help. Small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, may struggle to afford comprehensive mental health programs.

Lessons for Businesses

Businesses can learn from national trends and Medaca’s approach to enhance employee care:

1. Invest in Training: Equip managers with mental health literacy to recognize signs of distress and foster supportive environments. Medaca’s programs can provide tailored solutions.
2. Leverage Community Resources: Partner with local mental health organizations, such as those supported by the Youth Mental Health Fund, to connect employees with accessible services.
3. Promote Psychological Safety: Adopt frameworks like the 13 Factors to create workplaces where employees feel safe discussing mental health, as Medaca does through its TeamCare model.
4. Prioritize Equity: Ensure mental health programs address the needs of diverse employees, including Indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ staff, reflecting Canada’s commitment to equity-deserving groups.

Looking Ahead to Canada Day

As we count down to Canada Day, let’s celebrate the progress in mental health policy and workplace support. By learning from national initiatives, businesses can create healthier, more inclusive workplaces.

At Medaca, we’re here to support that journey, ensuring every employee has the care they need to thrive.