New mental health survey sheds more light on impact of depression in the workplace
TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2007 /CNW/ - The Great-West Life Centre for Mental
Health in the Workplace (the Centre) today announced the release of a new
survey on the impact of depression in the workplace. The survey, commissioned
by the Centre and conducted by Ipsos-Reid this fall in association with the
Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health, asked
managers and employees about their personal experiences with depression.
The Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace represents
a long term, public service commitment. The Centre has two objectives: to
increase knowledge and awareness, and to turn knowledge into action - to help
employers, managers and employees prevent and reduce the impacts of mental
health issues in the workplace.
"This study sheds additional light on the issue of depression in the
workplace and provides us with some revealing data on how managers and
employees view this serious issue," said Mike Schwartz, Executive Director of
the Centre. "This is the first research project to be commissioned by the
Centre, and consistent with our public service objective, we are pleased to
make the results available to the public and to the Mental Health Commission
of Canada."
The survey revealed that:
- 19% of Canadian workers missed three or more work days due to
depression, stress or anxiety in the last 12 months
- 64% of employees who had been diagnosed as clinically depressed or
believed that they suffered from depression felt that a specific
event in their life triggered the depression
- Only 18% of Canadian managers said they had received training to help
them identify and deal with employees who exhibit signs of depression
Schwartz encouraged Canadian employers, managers and employees to take
time to read and understand the survey, and to become engaged in the issue of
mental health.
"The issue of mental health is complex and touches many lives," said
Schwartz. "By becoming informed and engaged, Canadian employers, managers and
employees can take steps today to better address workplace mental health
issues."
About the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace
Established in June 2007, the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in
the Workplace brings a unique focus to an important issue for Canadian
employers, managers, and employees. Focused specifically on the workplace, the
Centre is working to increase awareness and understanding and to help
employers take concrete steps to prevent and reduce employee mental health
issues. The Centre is a long-term, public service commitment to this very
important social and economic issue.
Results of the Ipsos-Reid survey will be available shortly on the
Centre's website at www.greatwestlife.com/centreformentalhealth.
About Great-West Life
Founded in Winnipeg in 1891, The Great-West Life Assurance Company has
long been a leader in the group benefits marketplace. Great-West Life is a
member of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies.
For further information: Marlene Klassen, APR, Assistant Vice-President,
Communications Services, (204) 946-7705
Showing posts with label advocacy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label advocacy. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Kaiser Foundation - National Awards for Excellence
The National Awards for Excellence Program is supported by the Kaiser Foundation, Federal and Provincial governments and other national partners in order to recognize the selfless and outstanding work of individuals and organizations across Canada who are reducing the harm associated with addictive behaviour, substance use and mental health issues through their leadership, new ideas, research and education.
There are seven award categories for which Canadians can be nominated:
* Excellence in Public Policy
* Excellence in Community Programming
* Excellence in Aboriginal Programming
* Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use Programming
* Excellence in Leadership
* Excellence in Youth Leadership
* Excellence in Media Reporting
Each of the award recipients receives a $10,000 grant to be given to a recognized charity of their choice. The winners and a guest are provided with accommodation and airfare to the host city (Calgary in 2008) to attend the awards ceremony.
Closing for the 2008 National Awards for Excellence is November 16, 2007.
For more information, please see the Call for Nominations.
There are seven award categories for which Canadians can be nominated:
* Excellence in Public Policy
* Excellence in Community Programming
* Excellence in Aboriginal Programming
* Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use Programming
* Excellence in Leadership
* Excellence in Youth Leadership
* Excellence in Media Reporting
Each of the award recipients receives a $10,000 grant to be given to a recognized charity of their choice. The winners and a guest are provided with accommodation and airfare to the host city (Calgary in 2008) to attend the awards ceremony.
Closing for the 2008 National Awards for Excellence is November 16, 2007.
For more information, please see the Call for Nominations.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Mental Illness Awareness Week 2007
Dear readers,
I'd like to reach out and say I'm thinking about those of you who are currently experiencing mental illness and those who have lost someone to suicide. Whether or not we know each other, I'm listening.
~Let there be light~
Jennifer
Faces of Mental Illness Awareness Week 2007
Meet this year's Faces
My story from MIAW 2006
About Mental Illness Awareness Week
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is an annual national public education campaign designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness. The week was established in 1992 by the Canadian Psychiatric Association, and is now coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) in cooperation with all its member organizations and many other supporters across Canada.
Campaign elements include: a grassroots public education initiative; a nationally-distributed poster and bookmark series; the 5th Annual Champions of Mental Health Awards luncheon in Ottawa and an education initiative with federal Members of Parliament, both in their home ridings and on Parliament Hill.
I'd like to reach out and say I'm thinking about those of you who are currently experiencing mental illness and those who have lost someone to suicide. Whether or not we know each other, I'm listening.
~Let there be light~
Jennifer
Faces of Mental Illness Awareness Week 2007
Meet this year's Faces
My story from MIAW 2006
About Mental Illness Awareness Week
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is an annual national public education campaign designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness. The week was established in 1992 by the Canadian Psychiatric Association, and is now coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) in cooperation with all its member organizations and many other supporters across Canada.
Campaign elements include: a grassroots public education initiative; a nationally-distributed poster and bookmark series; the 5th Annual Champions of Mental Health Awards luncheon in Ottawa and an education initiative with federal Members of Parliament, both in their home ridings and on Parliament Hill.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Mental disorders account for more than half of hospital stays among the homeless in Canada
New CIHI report offers overview of links between mental health, mental illness and homelessness
August 30, 2007—Mental disorders accounted for 52% of acute care hospitalizations among the homeless in 2005–2006 (outside Quebec), according to a new report released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). In addition, the report shows that 35% of visits to selected emergency departments (EDs)—mostly in Ontario—by homeless people were related to mental and behavioural disorders, a proportion that is higher than that for other patients (3%).
The Improving the Health of Canadians: Mental Health and Homelessness report provides an overview of the latest research, surveys and policy initiatives related to mental health and homelessness and, for the first time, presents data on hospital use by homeless Canadians.
“Mental illness affects a broad range of Canadians; most people with compromised mental health are not homeless, and many people who are homeless have never been diagnosed with a mental illness,” says Dr. Jennifer Zelmer, Vice President, Research and Analysis at CIHI. “However, studies show that people who are homeless are more likely to suffer from a mental illness or compromised mental health than the general population.”
For example, the leading reasons for hospital use were different for homeless patients and others. Mental disorders were the most common diagnoses among homeless patients admitted to an acute care hospital in 2005–2006 (52% of admissions). The most frequent reasons for hospitalization among other patients were pregnancy and childbirth (13%). Likewise, 35% of visits by homeless persons to selected EDs (mostly in Ontario) were related to mental disorders; injury and poisonings were the most common reasons for ED visits among other patients (25%). Among ED patients recorded as homeless, the most common type of mental disorder was substance abuse, which accounted for 54% of visits (62% for homeless men and 30% for homeless women), followed by other psychotic disorders (20% of visits), such as schizophrenia.
Homelessness linked with stress, coping, low self-esteem, low levels of social support and suicide
The report notes many factors both at the individual and broader social level—such as housing, income and the ability to cope—that have been shown to contribute to the onset or duration of homelessness. Many of these same factors are also linked to compromised mental health.
“This report explores the complex relationship between mental health and homelessness,” says Dr. Elizabeth Votta, Program Lead at the Canadian Population Health Initiative, a program of CIHI. “People with severe mental illness may experience limited housing, employment and income options. On the other hand, people who are homeless tend to report higher stress, lower self-worth, less social support and different coping strategies, factors that are associated with depressive symptoms, substance abuse, suicidal behaviours and poor self-rated health.”
Research cited in the report indicates that the homeless often experience more difficulty coping with stress, experience lower self-esteem and have less social support than people who are not homeless. For example:
-A study in Ottawa revealed that homeless male youth reported stress levels more than twice as high as levels reported by a group of non-homeless youth.
-A study in Kitchener–Waterloo showed that street youth were more likely to engage in substance abuse and self-harm as a means of coping. Non-homeless youth were more likely to cope by talking to someone they trusted or through productive problem-solving.
-A national survey found that 2% of males and 6% of females aged 15 to 24 reported having attempted suicide in Canada. Studies report higher rates among homeless youth. For example, a 2006 British Columbia survey indicates that 15% of males and 30% of females who were street-involved and marginalized reported having attempted suicide at least once in the previous 12 months.
The report also cites many examples of research linking mental illness and homelessness. These studies, conducted across Canada with different methods and over different periods of time, tended to show higher levels of diagnosed mental illness among people who were homeless than among the population as a whole. Several studies also indicate that rates of substance abuse are higher among the homeless than among other Canadians. Research suggests that homeless individuals with both a substance abuse disorder and a mental illness diagnosis are likely to remain homeless longer than others.
Canadian Population Health Initiative
The Canadian Population Health Initiative (CPHI) is part of the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). CPHI supports research to advance knowledge on the determinants of health in Canada and to develop policy options to improve population health and reduce health inequalities.
About CIHI
The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) collects and analyzes information on health and health care in Canada and makes it publicly available. Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments created CIHI as a not-for-profit, independent organization dedicated to forging a common approach to Canadian health information. CIHI’s goal: to provide timely, accurate and comparable information. CIHI’s data and reports inform health policies, support the effective delivery of health services and raise awareness among Canadians of the factors that contribute to good health.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Christina Lawand
613-241-7860 ext. 4310
Cell: 613-299-5695
clawand@cihi.ca
Leona Hollingsworth
613-241-7860 ext. 4140
Cell: 613-612-3914
lhollingsworth@cihi.ca
The report and the following figures and tables are available from CIHI’s website at www.cihi.ca.
Table 1. Top Five Reasons for Emergency Department Visits by the Homeless and Others, 2005–2006 (based on Table 4 in the report)
Table 2. Top Five Reasons for Inpatient Hospitalization Among the Homeless and Others, 2005–2006 (based on Table 5 in the report)
Table 3. Reported Mental Illness Among Canada’s Homeless in a Sample of Canadian Cities: Results From Selected Studies (based on Table 2 in the report)
August 30, 2007—Mental disorders accounted for 52% of acute care hospitalizations among the homeless in 2005–2006 (outside Quebec), according to a new report released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). In addition, the report shows that 35% of visits to selected emergency departments (EDs)—mostly in Ontario—by homeless people were related to mental and behavioural disorders, a proportion that is higher than that for other patients (3%).
The Improving the Health of Canadians: Mental Health and Homelessness report provides an overview of the latest research, surveys and policy initiatives related to mental health and homelessness and, for the first time, presents data on hospital use by homeless Canadians.
“Mental illness affects a broad range of Canadians; most people with compromised mental health are not homeless, and many people who are homeless have never been diagnosed with a mental illness,” says Dr. Jennifer Zelmer, Vice President, Research and Analysis at CIHI. “However, studies show that people who are homeless are more likely to suffer from a mental illness or compromised mental health than the general population.”
For example, the leading reasons for hospital use were different for homeless patients and others. Mental disorders were the most common diagnoses among homeless patients admitted to an acute care hospital in 2005–2006 (52% of admissions). The most frequent reasons for hospitalization among other patients were pregnancy and childbirth (13%). Likewise, 35% of visits by homeless persons to selected EDs (mostly in Ontario) were related to mental disorders; injury and poisonings were the most common reasons for ED visits among other patients (25%). Among ED patients recorded as homeless, the most common type of mental disorder was substance abuse, which accounted for 54% of visits (62% for homeless men and 30% for homeless women), followed by other psychotic disorders (20% of visits), such as schizophrenia.
Homelessness linked with stress, coping, low self-esteem, low levels of social support and suicide
The report notes many factors both at the individual and broader social level—such as housing, income and the ability to cope—that have been shown to contribute to the onset or duration of homelessness. Many of these same factors are also linked to compromised mental health.
“This report explores the complex relationship between mental health and homelessness,” says Dr. Elizabeth Votta, Program Lead at the Canadian Population Health Initiative, a program of CIHI. “People with severe mental illness may experience limited housing, employment and income options. On the other hand, people who are homeless tend to report higher stress, lower self-worth, less social support and different coping strategies, factors that are associated with depressive symptoms, substance abuse, suicidal behaviours and poor self-rated health.”
Research cited in the report indicates that the homeless often experience more difficulty coping with stress, experience lower self-esteem and have less social support than people who are not homeless. For example:
-A study in Ottawa revealed that homeless male youth reported stress levels more than twice as high as levels reported by a group of non-homeless youth.
-A study in Kitchener–Waterloo showed that street youth were more likely to engage in substance abuse and self-harm as a means of coping. Non-homeless youth were more likely to cope by talking to someone they trusted or through productive problem-solving.
-A national survey found that 2% of males and 6% of females aged 15 to 24 reported having attempted suicide in Canada. Studies report higher rates among homeless youth. For example, a 2006 British Columbia survey indicates that 15% of males and 30% of females who were street-involved and marginalized reported having attempted suicide at least once in the previous 12 months.
The report also cites many examples of research linking mental illness and homelessness. These studies, conducted across Canada with different methods and over different periods of time, tended to show higher levels of diagnosed mental illness among people who were homeless than among the population as a whole. Several studies also indicate that rates of substance abuse are higher among the homeless than among other Canadians. Research suggests that homeless individuals with both a substance abuse disorder and a mental illness diagnosis are likely to remain homeless longer than others.
Canadian Population Health Initiative
The Canadian Population Health Initiative (CPHI) is part of the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). CPHI supports research to advance knowledge on the determinants of health in Canada and to develop policy options to improve population health and reduce health inequalities.
About CIHI
The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) collects and analyzes information on health and health care in Canada and makes it publicly available. Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments created CIHI as a not-for-profit, independent organization dedicated to forging a common approach to Canadian health information. CIHI’s goal: to provide timely, accurate and comparable information. CIHI’s data and reports inform health policies, support the effective delivery of health services and raise awareness among Canadians of the factors that contribute to good health.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Christina Lawand
613-241-7860 ext. 4310
Cell: 613-299-5695
clawand@cihi.ca
Leona Hollingsworth
613-241-7860 ext. 4140
Cell: 613-612-3914
lhollingsworth@cihi.ca
The report and the following figures and tables are available from CIHI’s website at www.cihi.ca.
Table 1. Top Five Reasons for Emergency Department Visits by the Homeless and Others, 2005–2006 (based on Table 4 in the report)
Table 2. Top Five Reasons for Inpatient Hospitalization Among the Homeless and Others, 2005–2006 (based on Table 5 in the report)
Table 3. Reported Mental Illness Among Canada’s Homeless in a Sample of Canadian Cities: Results From Selected Studies (based on Table 2 in the report)
Monday, June 25, 2007
International Initiative on Mental Health Leadership
The international meeting of the International Initiative on Mental Health Leadership is fast approaching.
Canada will be hosting the formal events in Ottawa at the Chateau Laurier from August 29 - 31, 2007.
As a member of this initiative, the National Network for Mental Health will be hosting like organizations from around the globe including but not limited to the following guests:
- Jenny Speed, Deputy Director, Australian Mental Health Consumer Network Inc (Australia)
- Noreen Fitzgibbon, Regional Co-ordinator, Cork, CountyCork, Irish Advocacy Network (Ireland)
- Judi Chamberlin, Consumer Survivor / User Advocate, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (United States)
- Shaun McNeil, Secretary, VOX-Voices Of eXperience (Scotland)
- Susan Crooks, Chief Executive Officer, THE LIGHT HOUSE TRUST (New Zealand
- Anne Beales, Director, Together Working for Well Being (United Kingdom)
For more information on this initiative please visit this website.
Canada will be hosting the formal events in Ottawa at the Chateau Laurier from August 29 - 31, 2007.
As a member of this initiative, the National Network for Mental Health will be hosting like organizations from around the globe including but not limited to the following guests:
- Jenny Speed, Deputy Director, Australian Mental Health Consumer Network Inc (Australia)
- Noreen Fitzgibbon, Regional Co-ordinator, Cork, CountyCork, Irish Advocacy Network (Ireland)
- Judi Chamberlin, Consumer Survivor / User Advocate, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (United States)
- Shaun McNeil, Secretary, VOX-Voices Of eXperience (Scotland)
- Susan Crooks, Chief Executive Officer, THE LIGHT HOUSE TRUST (New Zealand
- Anne Beales, Director, Together Working for Well Being (United Kingdom)
For more information on this initiative please visit this website.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Only 3 days left
It's Children's Mental Health Week.
If you haven't yet signed the petition, now is the time. With only 3 days left, this week-long campaign needs just a few more signatures. It has, thus far, reached 75% of its goal.
Support children's mental health now!
* Log on to the secure website then click on SIGN OUR PETITION
If you haven't yet signed the petition, now is the time. With only 3 days left, this week-long campaign needs just a few more signatures. It has, thus far, reached 75% of its goal.
Support children's mental health now!
* Log on to the secure website then click on SIGN OUR PETITION
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Petition for Children's Mental Health
Send a message to the Ontario provincial government:
The opportunity to demonstrate your support for 1 in 5 children and youth who are troubled by mental health issues, is still open. Life long mental health difficulties so often start in our young. With your help, our efforts to bring this issue the attention it needs can be achieved.
By May 13th, the end of Children's Mental Health Week, we aim to have 5000 names on our petition.
So far we are almost 20% along and look for your help in moving this number up.
This petition will not only be sent to the heads of our provincial parties, we can use the strength of its numbers to bolster our messaging in upcoming meetings and other advocacy efforts.
If you have not already signed the petition, you still have time.
* Log on to the secure website http://www.parentsforchildrensmentalhealth.org/ then click on SIGN OUR PETITION
* Be sure to forward this to your family, friends and colleagues.
Thank you
Consumers and Advocates Committee of the Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Heath
Parents for Children's Mental Health
Youth Net/Réseau Ado
The opportunity to demonstrate your support for 1 in 5 children and youth who are troubled by mental health issues, is still open. Life long mental health difficulties so often start in our young. With your help, our efforts to bring this issue the attention it needs can be achieved.
By May 13th, the end of Children's Mental Health Week, we aim to have 5000 names on our petition.
So far we are almost 20% along and look for your help in moving this number up.
This petition will not only be sent to the heads of our provincial parties, we can use the strength of its numbers to bolster our messaging in upcoming meetings and other advocacy efforts.
If you have not already signed the petition, you still have time.
* Log on to the secure website http://www.parentsforchildrensmentalhealth.org/ then click on SIGN OUR PETITION
* Be sure to forward this to your family, friends and colleagues.
Thank you
Consumers and Advocates Committee of the Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Heath
Parents for Children's Mental Health
Youth Net/Réseau Ado
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Mental health groups thrilled with budget announcement
In May 2006, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs Science and Technology, led by Senator Michael Kirby, released the final report “Out of the Shadows at Last: Transforming Mental Health, Mental Illness and Addiction Services in Canada”. One of the report’s major recommendations was to establish a Mental Health Commission.
Yesterday, Canada’s government announced funding for the creation of the commission. Mental health groups across Canada are welcoming the news with open arms.
Here is what some mental health spokespersons are saying:
“The establishment of the commission legitimizes our concerns that Canada can do a better job in providing mental health services for its citizens,” said Chris Summerville, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada. “It gives us the opportunity to reclaim the lives of those with mental illness who have been left in the shadows of stigma and discrimination and a fragmented mental health system.”
"We would like to congratulate Michael Kirby on being named Chair of the new Canadian Mental Health Commission. His passion and commitment - as well as that of his Senate Committee colleagues - have resulted in the creation of this new commission today, and his leadership will ensure that it makes a real difference tomorrow. We are thrilled," said Dr. Paul Garfinkel, President & CEO of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
"We applaud the government on this important decision," said Phil Upshall, National Executive Director of the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. "We look forward to working with the government, the Honourable Michael Kirby, Chair of the Commission, and our partners at Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness Mental Health to make the Commission a success."
Yesterday, Canada’s government announced funding for the creation of the commission. Mental health groups across Canada are welcoming the news with open arms.
Here is what some mental health spokespersons are saying:
“The establishment of the commission legitimizes our concerns that Canada can do a better job in providing mental health services for its citizens,” said Chris Summerville, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada. “It gives us the opportunity to reclaim the lives of those with mental illness who have been left in the shadows of stigma and discrimination and a fragmented mental health system.”
"We would like to congratulate Michael Kirby on being named Chair of the new Canadian Mental Health Commission. His passion and commitment - as well as that of his Senate Committee colleagues - have resulted in the creation of this new commission today, and his leadership will ensure that it makes a real difference tomorrow. We are thrilled," said Dr. Paul Garfinkel, President & CEO of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
"We applaud the government on this important decision," said Phil Upshall, National Executive Director of the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. "We look forward to working with the government, the Honourable Michael Kirby, Chair of the Commission, and our partners at Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness Mental Health to make the Commission a success."
Summary of the 2007 Budget
(from the Canadian Mental Health Association)
Mental Health Commission
• $10 million over two years and $15 million a year thereafter to establish the Canadian Mental Health Commission, headed by Michael Kirby.
• $400 million for Canada Health Infoway to support the development of electronic health records.
• $22-million-per-year increase to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
Income Security Elements
• A Working Income Tax Benefit of up to $1,000 per year for families or $500 for individuals will help people over the "welfare wall" and strengthen incentives to work for more than 1.2 million low-income Canadians.
• A new Registered Disability Savings Plan to help parents and others save money to care for children with severe disabilities.
• $10 million a year to expand the New Horizons for Seniors program, which will help prevent abuse and telemarketing fraud and to expand capital assistance for community buildings, equipment and furnishings.
• $10 million a year to achieve meaningful results in key areas such as the economic status of women and combating violence against women and girls.
• Increase in the age limit to 71 from 69 for registered retirement savings plans and registered pensions.
• The public transit tax credit will be extended to new electronic fare products and weekly passes used on an ongoing basis.
• An additional supplement for low-income working Canadians with disabilities to promote workforce participation.
Housing
• $17.6 billion in gas tax and other base funding for municipalities.
• $300 million for the development of a housing market in First Nations communities.
National Anti-Drug Strategy
• Covers three priority areas:
o Combat illicit drug production
o Prevent illicit drug use ($10M)
o Treat illicit drug dependency ($32.2M)
• An investment of $63.8 million.
Correctional Services
• The system is facing a changing offender population, including, inmates with mental health and substance abuse problems.
• Commitment to review operations to enhance public safety.
• Pending the results of the review, CSC will receive $102 million over two years deal with issues including beginning work towards implementing a mental health strategy for offenders.
Other
• Eliminating the capital gains tax for charitable donations of publicly-listed securities to private foundations.
Mental Health Commission
• $10 million over two years and $15 million a year thereafter to establish the Canadian Mental Health Commission, headed by Michael Kirby.
• $400 million for Canada Health Infoway to support the development of electronic health records.
• $22-million-per-year increase to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
Income Security Elements
• A Working Income Tax Benefit of up to $1,000 per year for families or $500 for individuals will help people over the "welfare wall" and strengthen incentives to work for more than 1.2 million low-income Canadians.
• A new Registered Disability Savings Plan to help parents and others save money to care for children with severe disabilities.
• $10 million a year to expand the New Horizons for Seniors program, which will help prevent abuse and telemarketing fraud and to expand capital assistance for community buildings, equipment and furnishings.
• $10 million a year to achieve meaningful results in key areas such as the economic status of women and combating violence against women and girls.
• Increase in the age limit to 71 from 69 for registered retirement savings plans and registered pensions.
• The public transit tax credit will be extended to new electronic fare products and weekly passes used on an ongoing basis.
• An additional supplement for low-income working Canadians with disabilities to promote workforce participation.
Housing
• $17.6 billion in gas tax and other base funding for municipalities.
• $300 million for the development of a housing market in First Nations communities.
National Anti-Drug Strategy
• Covers three priority areas:
o Combat illicit drug production
o Prevent illicit drug use ($10M)
o Treat illicit drug dependency ($32.2M)
• An investment of $63.8 million.
Correctional Services
• The system is facing a changing offender population, including, inmates with mental health and substance abuse problems.
• Commitment to review operations to enhance public safety.
• Pending the results of the review, CSC will receive $102 million over two years deal with issues including beginning work towards implementing a mental health strategy for offenders.
Other
• Eliminating the capital gains tax for charitable donations of publicly-listed securities to private foundations.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Ontario's Health Plan: join the conversation
"Make a difference in the future of health care. Have your say."
How can the Ontario government improve health care for its citizens? What's important to you? Make your voice heard.
The provincial government is in the midst of a campaign to get answers from you. Hey, it's your tax money so make sure it goes where you want it to! The campaign's site provides a form to submit suggestions for improving Ontario's health care system. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will also be holding public consultations throughout the province.
I will be attending the Ottawa session on Wednesday, March 7th and I will be advocating for the improvement of mental health services and increased funding. You may register online to attend (for free, but space is limited). There are also sessions being held this week in Kitchener, Oakville, Toronto, and Sault Ste. Marie.
How can the Ontario government improve health care for its citizens? What's important to you? Make your voice heard.
The provincial government is in the midst of a campaign to get answers from you. Hey, it's your tax money so make sure it goes where you want it to! The campaign's site provides a form to submit suggestions for improving Ontario's health care system. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will also be holding public consultations throughout the province.
I will be attending the Ottawa session on Wednesday, March 7th and I will be advocating for the improvement of mental health services and increased funding. You may register online to attend (for free, but space is limited). There are also sessions being held this week in Kitchener, Oakville, Toronto, and Sault Ste. Marie.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Have Your Say!!
Mental illness affects 1 in 5 Canadians: a family member, friend, colleague or perhaps you. That’s 1.6 million Canadians in total. Left untreated, the challenges of mental illness can lead to suicide for 4,000 Canadians each year. More Canadians die from suicide than motor vehicle accidents.
Inform our Minister of Health that we need a well-designed Mental Health Commission - and soon - to address mental illness and mental health issues in Canada. Health Canada is asking for your input in a public consultation. The survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete.
Donating a few minutes of your time will make a difference in the lives of many Canadians. Make your message heard.
In this together,
Jennifer
Inform our Minister of Health that we need a well-designed Mental Health Commission - and soon - to address mental illness and mental health issues in Canada. Health Canada is asking for your input in a public consultation. The survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete.
Donating a few minutes of your time will make a difference in the lives of many Canadians. Make your message heard.
In this together,
Jennifer
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