A London MPP didn't pull any punches on the first day back to work at the Ontario legislature.
Peggy Sattler took aim at Premier Kathleen Wynne and the Liberals on Monday for what she called "chronic underfunding of mental health services for children and youth."
“This summer I met with the board chairs of seven local children and youth mental health agencies, including Vanier, Craigwood, Merrymount, WAYS, Anago, and London Family Court Clinic. Each month, the boards of these agencies are not only forced to consider service cuts, but even whether they can continue to keep their doors open,” said Sattler.
The New Democrat MPP accused the Liberals of ignoring calls for help on the matter and added a letter she wrote to Wynne has gone unanswered.
Over the past 25 years, there have been only two modest increases provided to children's mental health agencies, with no increases from the Conservatives and no increases from the Liberals since 2006, according to Sattler.
She went on to note over the same time period demand for mental health services for kids has jumped dramatically.
“In the last two years alone, London saw a 23% increase in children’s mental health crisis intake, with almost one-quarter of these young people planning or attempting suicide,” said Sattler. “In 2016, London police dealt with almost 500 incidents related to youth mental health crises – more than double the number from 2010. And 61% of London youth entering a community-based treatment program for the first time had been admitted to hospital at least twice before.”
Deputy Premier Deb Matthews responded to Sattler's allegations in a written statement to BlackburnNews.com.
“Our government is committed to creating a more coordinated and responsive mental health system in Ontario. We announced earlier this spring new investments in mental health and addictions supports including funding nine new youth service hubs across the province. These hubs will provide young people with walk-in, one-stop access to mental health and addictions services as well as other heath, social and employment services under one roof. I look forward to continuing to work with our local organizations to ensure all youth get the quality help when and where they need it," said Matthews.
