When Premier Dalton McGuinty tasked me with the honour and privilege of serving as Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, I quickly identified mental health and addictions services as a priority.

I have met with a number of people who live with mental health and addictions issues as well as those who care for them. They all told me the same thing: for years, there has been a stigma around people with mental health and addictions.

Since we were elected in 2003, the McGuinty government has worked hard to make some much-needed improvements.

But I feel like we’re in a great place right now to accomplish far more. There is a greater awareness of mental health and addiction issues in the mainstream. There is a growing awareness that a strong mental health and addiction system is as important as having strong hospitals, public health units and family health care providers. Strengthening it will strengthen our health care services as a whole.

I believe that this greater awareness creates a momentum for change.

That’s why the Minister’s Advisory Group on Mental Health and Addictions was established. The group's work — along with the work being done by the all-party Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions — will contribute to the development of a long-term Mental Health and Addictions strategy.

The Advisory Group includes consumers, family members, health care providers and researchers from across the province.  They’re people whose varied backgrounds, life experiences and expertise will help them consider mental health and addiction issues from a wide range of perspectives — including children and youth, Aboriginal peoples, seniors and women.

This web page is designed to report on the Advisory Group’s progress throughout the year, as well as publicize opportunities for public and stakeholder contributions.

I encourage you to learn more about what the Advisory Group is doing and how you can participate in the process. With your support and input — and with the help of consumers, family members, providers, health care workers and community leaders — we will create a stronger and more inclusive mental health and addictions system that will better serve Ontarians.

I hope you’ll work with me.

Sincerely,

Deb Matthews
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care