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The Trudeau government has announced plans for a $500-million mental health fund for youth.
It is the latest in a series of announcements taking place ahead of the federal budget next week.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said the fund will support community mental health organizations.
“Better funding for mental health services means that younger Canadians can get the help they need right when and where they need it most,” Freeland said during Tuesday’s announcement.
Freeland said the fund builds on the “unprecedented” investment her government made in last year’s budget.
The federal government said it would spend an extra nearly $200 billion over 10 years to improve health care, including access to mental health and addiction services.
Mental Health Minister Ya’ara Saks said the fund is a once-in-a-generation investment in youth at a time when they need it most.
Saks said it will help younger Canadians access the care they need by reducing wait times and providing more care options.
“We need to create an accessible and equitable system of care so that all Canadians have access to the mental health services and supports they need when they need them and where they need them,” said Saks.
The latest federal budget will be tabled in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
