The CPA invites members to indicate their interest in joining a task force that will:
Provide education and resources on psychiatry’s history regarding structural racism.
Using an intersectional lens, explain the current impact of structural racism on the mental health of patients and of colleagues.
Propose specific actions the CPA ... Read More
News Releases
2021
14
Oct2021
Starting Jan. 1, 2022, the CJP will move to an online only format for members. Your access to the latest peer-reviewed scientific articles will not change. The journal will continue to provide a forum for psychiatry professionals to share their findings with clinicians and researchers from around the world. Content ... Read More
October 14, 2021Rob Cornforth
07
Oct2021
The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) is a member of HEAL, Organizations for Health Action, and officially supports HEAL’s Position Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination of Healthcare Workers.
As psychiatrists, we recognize that many of the patients we care for are at heightened risk of COVID-19 infection due to poverty, homelessness, or living ... Read More
October 7, 2021Rob Cornforth
30
Sep2021
Please note: The following statement deals with topics that may be triggering.
The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) is deeply disturbed by the recoveries in recent months of Indigenous children from unmarked graves at residential institutions across Canada. This, along with the horrific death of Joyce Echaquan, serve as reminders of both historical ... Read More
September 30, 2021Rob Cornforth
24
Sep2021
The MOC credit reporting deadline is coming up: will you have the required 25 hours in each of the three sections of the program by the end of your five-year cycle?
Register for the CPA annual conference from Oct. 14 – 16 and earn up to 16.5 section 1 credits and ... Read More
September 24, 2021Rob Cornforth
2018
17
Oct2018
—Ottawa, ON, October 17, 2018—
In light of today’s legalization of marijuana on October 17, 2018, the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) wants to remind Canadian consumers to consider the mental health implications of recreational cannabis use on youth and young adults.
The Cannabis Act will allow Canadians, who are 18 or ... Read More
October 17, 2018Rob Cornforth
03
Oct2018
—Ottawa, ON, October 3, 2018—
The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) is pleased to partner with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in their release of the CAF Clinician Handbook on Suicide Prevention.
“As clinicians working on the front line of mental health services, psychiatrists strive in our efforts to create a safer ... Read More
October 3, 2018Rob Cornforth
29
Sep2018
—Toronto, ON, September 29, 2018—
On September 29, 2018, the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) will confer its highest award, a President’s Commendation, to all psychiatrists in Canada in appreciation for their outstanding contribution to improving the mental health of Canadians.
“It is my distinct privilege to use my President’s Commendation to ... Read More
September 29, 2018Rob Cornforth
29
Sep2018
—Toronto, ON, September 30, 2018—
Last night the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) recognized exceptional psychiatrists, psychiatric residents and individuals for their contributions to the mental health of Canadians.
Dr. Lisa Gagnon from Calgary, Alberta, was awarded the CPA C.A. Roberts Award for Clinical Leadership for transforming psychiatric care in Calgary on several ... Read More
September 29, 2018Rob Cornforth
08
Jul2019
Toronto Star Op-ed by Dr. Wei-Yi Song, CPA President
The Ontario government has proposed to limit funding for psychotherapy to 24 hours per patient per year as a means of improving access to mental health services.
While some research suggests that certain physicians may be treating patients who are sometimes characterized as ... Read More
July 8, 2019Rob Cornforth
28
Sep2018
—Ottawa, ON, September 28, 2018—
The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) is pleased to announce it will be welcoming its new president, Dr. Wei-Yi Song, tomorrow night during its annual President’s Gala.
Dr. Song is a consultant-psychiatrist practicing in Victoria, as well as an Assistant Program Director of Postgraduate Education with the University ... Read More
September 28, 2018Rob Cornforth
26
Jul2018
—Ottawa, ON, July 26, 2018—
In the aftermath of the recent shooting in Toronto that left three people dead, including the gunman Faisal Hussain, the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) is concerned that publicity surrounding this event may reinforce the unwarranted public perception of a link between violence and mental illness. ... Read More
July 26, 2018Rob Cornforth
08
Mar2018
—Ottawa, ON, March 8, 2018—
With the release of its updated policy paper, Media Guidelines for Reporting on Suicide, the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) is presenting itself as a collaborative resource to news outlets to assist with the safe and humane reporting of suicide events.
Scientific evidence has shown that media ... Read More
March 8, 2018Rob Cornforth
2017
09
Sep2020
Psychiatrists are frequently asked about the potential uses of cannabis and cannabinoid products to treat mental illnesses. To help inform members and educate the public, the CPA has systematically reviewed the existing literature on RCTs examining potential beneficial uses of cannabis and cannabinoid products to treat mental illness in adults. Read ... Read More
September 9, 2020Rob Cornforth
24
Oct2017
—Ottawa, ON, October 24, 2017—
The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) supports an information campaign led by Drug Free Kids Canada to assist parents in talking to their teenagers about the risks associated with cannabis. The Cannabis Talk Kit is a user-friendly guide that highlights the latest evidence on cannabis.
“The Cannabis Talk ... Read More
October 24, 2017Rob Cornforth
17
Sep2017
—Ottawa, ON, September 17, 2017—
Last night the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) recognized exceptional psychiatrists, psychiatric residents and individuals for their contributions to the mental health of Canadians.
Dr. Bruce Ballon from Toronto, Ontario, was awarded the CPA C.A. Roberts Award for Clinical Leadership for his outstanding contributions to improving patient care. ... Read More
September 17, 2017Rob Cornforth
17
Sep2017
—Ottawa, ON, September 17, 2017—
Last night the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) welcomed Dr. Nachiketa Sinha as its new CPA President.
Dr. Sinha is a consultant-psychiatrist practicing in New Brunswick, as well as an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University. His clinical interests centre around providing equity in ... Read More
September 17, 2017Rob Cornforth
15
Sep2017
—Ottawa, ON, September 15, 2017—
On September 16, 2017, the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) will confer its highest civilian award, a President’s Commendation, to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in appreciation for his outstanding contribution to improving the mental health of Canadians.
“In both his private and public life, Prime Minister Trudeau ... Read More
September 15, 2017Rob Cornforth
28
Aug2017
—Ottawa, ON, August 28, 2017—
The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) is pleased to see the federal, provincial and territorial governments agree on a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities that was released earlier this week. The CPA views the common statement as a roadmap that will shape the ... Read More
August 28, 2017Rob Cornforth
19
Apr2017
—Ottawa, ON, April 19, 2017—
Protecting the mental health of Canadians, and young Canadians in particular, should be a key component of the federal government’s Cannabis Act, says the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA).
The CPA underscores the need for caution in allowing access to cannabis for those under age 25 in its ... Read More
April 19, 2017Rob Cornforth
12
Apr2017
—Ottawa, ON, April 12, 2017—
With the federal government set to legalize marijuana on or before July 1, 2018, the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) has released a statement today highlighting the importance of safeguarding the mental wellness of youth and young adults in the forthcoming legislation.
“There is a strong evidence-base ... Read More
April 12, 2017Rob Cornforth
23
Mar2017
—Ottawa, ON, March 23, 2017—
The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) is very pleased to see the federal government confirm its investments of $5 billion over the next 10 years dedicated to mental health initiatives across the country.
“We applaud the federal government for its leadership in recognizing the importance of investing in ... Read More
March 23, 2017Rob Cornforth
2016
16
Aug2021
Psychiatrists’ clinical expertise and input are vital to establish appropriate safeguards, evidence-based guidance and protocols for medical assistance in dying (MAiD) on the sole basis of a mental disorder, says a new Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) discussion paper released today.
People whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental disorder (MD-SUMC) are temporarily ... Read More
August 16, 2021Rob Cornforth
10
Jun2020
The CPA invites members to indicate their interest in joining a working group that will lead member consultation and develop a discussion paper on MAiD that examines issues such as decisional capacity, informed consent and appropriate safeguards in the context of available evidence.
Co-chaired by a representative from each of the ... Read More
June 10, 2020Rob Cornforth
13
Mar2020
Don’t discriminate against people with a psychiatric illness when it comes to medical assistance in dying
/ MAID, News Release
Attention: News, Health, Medical and Lifestyle Editors
Ottawa, Mar. 13, 2020 — People with a psychiatric illness should not be discriminated against solely on the basis of their disability, and should have available the same options regarding medical assistance in dying (MAiD) as available to all Canadians, says the Canadian Psychiatric ... Read More
March 13, 2020Rob Cornforth
26
Apr2016
—Ottawa, ON, April 14, 2016—
The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) is pleased that today the federal government committed to further study the unique implications of requests for medical assistance in dying (MAID) where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition.
“A more considered and less rushed approach to the complex ... Read More
April 26, 2016Rob Cornforth
23
Mar2016
—Ottawa, ON, March 23, 2016—
While yesterday’s budget did not announce significant investments in mental health for 2016, Canadian psychiatrists are encouraged that access to mental health services was named as a priority for the First Minister’s health accord currently under negotiation with the provinces and territories.
“Many Canadians with ... Read More
March 23, 2016Rob Cornforth
2015
23
Mar2016
—Ottawa, ON, March 23, 2016—
While yesterday’s budget did not announce significant investments in mental health for 2016, Canadian psychiatrists are encouraged that access to mental health services was named as a priority for the First Minister’s health accord currently under negotiation with the provinces and territories.
“Many Canadians with ... Read More
March 23, 2016Rob Cornforth
08
Dec2015
—Ottawa, ON, December 8, 2015—
Today’s Wait Time Alliance (WTA) Report is a stark reminder that for the seventh consecutive year no visible progress has been made in measuring how well the health system meets the psychiatric needs of Canadians. The report, which grades provincial and national progress in reducing ... Read More
December 8, 2015Rob Cornforth
12
Nov2015
—Ottawa, ON, November 12, 2015—
The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) applauds Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan for his quick response to a Canadian Forces report on suicide released this Tuesday. The report indicates that deployment may be emerging as a risk factor for suicide, in particular in connection to the Afghanistan ... Read More
November 12, 2015Rob Cornforth
03
Oct2015
—Vancouver, BC, October 2, 2015—
Today the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) elected Dr. Pamela Forsythe as its first-ever female Board Chair. She replaces Dr. Don Addington who has been Chair of the CPA Board since 2009.
Throughout her career Dr. Forsythe has striven to reduce the discrimination and stigma around ... Read More
October 3, 2015Rob Cornforth
03
Oct2015
—Vancouver, BC, October 3, 2015—
Last night the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) welcomed Dr. Sonu Gaind as its new CPA President.
Dr. Sonu Gaind is an Associate Professor with the University of Toronto’s Department of Psychiatry and a past-president of the Ontario Psychiatric.
He has been actively involved in health policy development ... Read More
October 3, 2015Rob Cornforth
03
Oct2015
—October 3, 2015, Vancouver—
Last night the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) recognized exceptional psychiatrists, psychiatric residents and individuals for their contributions to the mental health of Canadians.
Dr. Ronald Fraser from Truro, Nova Scotia, was awarded the CPA C.A. Roberts Award for Clinical Leadership for the significant improvements he has brought to ... Read More
October 3, 2015Rob Cornforth
02
Oct2015
—Vancouver, BC, October 2, 2015—
Today the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) made public a joint position statement on the indiscriminate sharing of information regarding police assistance with the U.S. border authorities.
“The APA is pleased to partner with the Canadian Psychiatric Association in working to ... Read More
October 2, 2015Rob Cornforth
30
Sep2015
—Vancouver, BC, September 30, 2015—
The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) applauds Liberal leader, Justin Trudeau’s promise to negotiate a new Health Accord with provinces and territories—an accord that would include mental health as a priority.
The Liberals announced they would establish a pan-Canadian Expert Advisory Council on Mental Health to advise on ... Read More
September 30, 2015Rob Cornforth
15
Sep2015
Psychiatrists praise NDP for bringing focus on mental health care to the federal election
/ NDP, Tom Mulcair
—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 ... Read More
September 15, 2015Rob Cornforth
02
Jun2015
Ottawa, ON, June 2, 2015— The routine use of antipsychotics, like Zyprexa (olanzapine) and Seroquel (quetiapine), should not be used to treat primary insomnia in children, adults or the elderly, say Canadian psychiatrists. This information is part of a series of 13 evidence-based recommendations made by the Canadian Psychiatric Association ... Read More
June 2, 2015Rob Cornforth
22
Apr2015
— Ottawa, ON, April 22, 2015—
The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) applauds the federal government’s budget announcement to renew the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s mandate for 10 years beyond its original term of 2007-2017. The CPA, along with many mental health organizations, advocated for the establishment of the Commission ... Read More
April 22, 2015Rob Cornforth
06
Feb2015
—Ottawa, ON, February 6, 2015—
In light of today’s unanimous Supreme Court ruling striking down the law prohibiting doctor-assisted death, the Canadian Psychiatric Association will seek to work with legislators as they draft new law governing medical aid in dying to ensure patient needs are respected and the concerns of psychiatrists ... Read More
February 6, 2015Rob Cornforth
22
Jan2015
—Ottawa, ON, January 22, 2015—
The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) welcomes the launch of the first phase of the project Informing the Future: Mental Health Indicators for Canada, released today by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC). This MHCC initiative will lead to the creation of a long overdue ... Read More
January 22, 2015Rob Cornforth
23
Sep2014
—Ottawa, ON, September 23, 2014—
The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) agrees with Canadians that federal leadership is needed on wait times in health care. This is particularly true in mental health.
A new Nanos poll commissioned by the Wait Time Alliance (WTA) and released today found eight out of 10 Canadians ... Read More
September 23, 2014Rob Cornforth
03
Jun2014
—Ottawa, ON, June 3, 2014—
The Canadian Psychiatric Association is disappointed that the Wait Time Alliance Report released today highlights that, for the sixth consecutive year, no progress has been made in publicly releasing wait times for psychiatric care.
“This is unacceptable given the unmet need among people with mental illness and ... Read More
June 3, 2014Rob Cornforth
