The Ontario government is investing $242,796.09 over two years to enhance the South Bruce OPP’s Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT), supporting police and mental health professionals in responding to people experiencing crises.
The funding will allow officers to work alongside trained crisis workers when responding to calls involving individuals in distress, ensuring people receive the specialized support they need while easing pressure on frontline police.
“I’m pleased the South Bruce OPP—who provide policing services to the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie, Municipality of Brockton, Township of Huron-Kinloss, Municipality of Kincardine, and the Municipality of South Bruce—will be benefiting from the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) Enhancement Grant,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. “It will enable officers to work closely with mental health professionals when responding to calls involving individuals in distress. This investment will help ensure people in crisis receive the right support at the right time, while also giving our officers the support they need to serve our communities safely and effectively. This funding is an important investment in support of strong and safe rural communities across the riding.”
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner emphasized that the program is part of a wider provincial effort to provide better tools and resources for police services.
“Our government is taking decisive action to protect Ontario by ensuring police have the tools, resources, and partnerships they need to keep our communities safe,” said Kerzner. “Through this grant, we are equipping police services with the means to strengthen Mobile Crisis Response Teams—made up of police and crisis workers—who are uniquely positioned to respond to people experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, de-escalating situations that could threaten public safety while connecting vulnerable individuals with the support they need.”
The MCRT Enhancement Grant is part of a broader $9 million provincial investment for 2025–26 and 2026–27, supporting 36 police services and OPP detachments across Ontario.
"Mental health and addictions are often a factor for our local first responders," said Luke Charbonneau, Warden of the County of Bruce. "This investment from the province helps to provide the tools for the de-escalation of complex situations and will contribute to the safety and well-being of our community."
"This grant will enable the OPP to expand its Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT) across the province, allowing us to improve pathways and connections to necessary services for those experiencing crisis," added Detachment Commander of South Bruce OPP Keegan Wilcox. "When police and health partners can continue working together through initiatives like this, safety is improved and we see better outcomes for everyone."