The Canadian government has announced a $2.8 million investment to support mental health resources for 2SLGBTQI+ communities. The funding will go to the Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) to implement the “Investigaytors” program, which is designed to provide mental health literacy, social connection, and problem-solving skills to the 2SLGBTQI+ community. The program is expected to reach 13,000 individuals and increase the knowledge and capacity of 11,000 stakeholders, including healthcare providers and policymakers, to deliver culturally competent and safe care for the 2SLGBTQI+ population.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, individuals from the 2SLGBTQI+ community face disproportionate challenges to their mental health due to discrimination and social exclusion. The funding is part of the government’s investments in Budget 2023, which includes nearly $200 billion over ten years to improve healthcare services for Canadians, reduce surgical backlogs, support healthcare workers, and improve integrated mental health and substance use services.
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Carolyn Bennett, emphasized the importance of supporting the mental health and substance use needs of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. The funding is expected to enable more people with lived and living experience, frontline workers, and experts to support the mental health and well-being of thousands of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals from coast to coast to coast.
This announcement comes as Canada celebrates Mental Health Week 2023, highlighting the importance of promoting positive mental health for everyone. The government remains committed to providing all Canadians with the mental health and substance use supports they need, whenever and wherever they need them.