CMHA Ontario’s 2025 Provincial Election Asks

Ontario is facing intersecting crises—homelessness, poverty, criminalization, and food insecurity—that contribute to declining mental health. Yet, with only one meaningful budget increase in the last decade, the sector is struggling to meet growing needs. That’s why CMHA Ontario is calling for urgent investment from the provincial government ahead of the 2025 election.

CMHA Ontario’s Key Recommendations:

🔹 $153 million annually over the next four years to stabilize operating costs for mental health and addictions services across Ontario’s 27 CMHA branches.

🔹 $33 million per year for two years to operate 5,000 additional supportive housing units, ensuring people experiencing homelessness have a safe place to live and recover.

🔹 $60 million to expand crisis services, including establishing new crisis hubs, so individuals in crisis receive compassionate, person-centred care.

🔹 $20 million to address staff shortages by increasing wages and improving working conditions, making it easier to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Why This Matters

🔹More than 80,000 Ontarians experienced homelessness in 2024—a 25% increase since 2022. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario estimates that $11 billion over 10 years is required to solve this crisis through affordable and supportive housing initiatives.

🔹 Investing in crisis response models works: At 10 CMHA branches, these programs have saved $7.5 million in hospital costs by diverting more than 17,700 emergency room visits over two years.

🔹 Community-based care is cost-effective. One month in a hospital, prison, or shelter costs significantly more than one month in supportive housing. CMHA provides approximately 6,000 housing spaces for individuals in need, but many more are required.

🔹 The strength of our sector lies in our people, yet they are underpaid by up to 30% compared to peers in hospitals or education. Investing in staff is investing in better care.

Take Action

Mental health is on the ballot in 2025. We need your support to ensure mental health and addictions care remains a priority in Ontario. Help us advocate for the investments our communities desperately need.