Ontario Greens to expand mental health and addictions care for people with disabilities

TORONTO — Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner today announced his party’s plan to expand mental health and addictions care for people with disabilities.

“There is a mental health crisis in Ontario and it disproportionately affects people with disabilities,” Schreiner said during a virtual press conference this afternoon. “Ontario needs to do better.

A University of British Columbia survey showed that 82% of Canadians with disabilities said the pandemic had a negative impact on their mental health. Lockdowns have cut many people with disabilities off from their support networks and deepened social isolation, while job and economic instability have intensified pre-existing financial pressures.

“It is safe to say: All is not well for many Ontarians with disabilities.

Ontario Greens are fully committed to doubling Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) rates and making mental health care affordable and accessible to people with disabilities.

“If you have to choose between putting food on the table or putting a roof over your head, it’s no surprise that the vast majority of people with disabilities cannot afford health care. mental,” Schreiner said.

Schreiner was joined by Elizabeth McGuireChair of the Campaign for Adequate Welfare and Disability Benefits in Hamilton.

“I see it firsthand through my work with the campaign: Living in poverty worsens mental health by constantly disrupting your life,” McGuire said. “I applaud the Ontario Greens’ plan to provide affordable and accessible mental health care for people with disabilities.

Please find the recording of the press conference here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpS848zDpv8&feature=youtu.be

For more information on the Ontario Greens Comprehensive Mental Health Plan Building a More Caring Ontario: gpo.ca/mentalhealth