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April 22nd, 2016

LIBERALS MUST FIX INDIGENOUS MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING SHORTFALL IN BUDGET

OTTAWA —Budget 2016 contained zero new dollars to address the huge shortfall in health and mental health services for Indigenous peoples.

“While these communities require long-term solutions, they also require the immediate supports to address the health and mental health crisis that were entirely missing from the Liberal budget,” says MP Charlie Angus NDP Indigenous and Northern Affairs Critic.

There are currently only 10 mental wellness teams across the country servicing 3 to 10 communities each. At least 70 new additional teams are needed to service all Indigenous communities. And the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework has seen a completely inadequate investment of only $350,000.

“The only thing missing here political will,” added Angus. “They have a shortfall of 70 mental wellness teams and if the Liberals are serious about delivering on mental health services for Indigenous peoples, they would just fill that gap in the budget.”

Angus also highlighted the budget’s inadequate response to funding for crisis response teams and the need to ensure dedicated funds to the Inuit and the far north, to respond to the huge suicide crisis facing Inuit youth.

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For more information, please contact:

David Schecter, Office of MP Charlie Angus

613-762-9617

Charlie.Angus.A1@parl.gc.ca