—Ottawa, ON, September 15, 2015—

The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) applauds NDP leader, Tom Mulcair’s promise to establish a $100-million mental health innovation fund for children and youth and for bringing much deserved attention to mental health care during the federal election campaign.

“Psychiatrists, along with many other mental health care providers, have called for an Innovation fund in mental health for some time now,” said Dr. Padraic Carr, President of the CPA. “The barrier to the uptake of innovation in mental health has been the lack of dollars to make it happen. A dedicated fund helps break down those barriers and create real change.”

“Better and effective ways of delivering early treatment and prevention has huge potential considering that 70 per cent of young adults living with mental health problems report that the symptoms started in childhood,” said Dr. Chris Wilkes, CPA Board member and President of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. “We also know that children who have mental health problems are more likely to become adolescents and then adults with mental health problems and illnesses.”

According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, over 1.2 million Canadian children and youth have a mental illness yet fewer than 20 per cent can get the treatment they need.

The Canadian Psychiatric Association is the national voice for Canada’s 4,700 psychiatrists and more than 900 psychiatric residents. Founded in 1951, the CPA is dedicated to promoting an environment that fosters excellence in the provision of clinical care, education and research.