Alberta invests $7.3 million in youth mental health hubs
Alberta is investing $7.3 million in youth mental health centres across Alberta over the next three years.
Of that, $3 million will be allocated for use this year, expanding mental health hubs and, “to improve mental wellness immediately,” according to Mike Ellis, Alberta's Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. Ellis made the announcement at a press conference in Medicine Hat on Tuesday.
“Youth across the province will benefit from increased access to services that improve mental wellness,” said Ellis. “We want youth to get help before they’re in crisis.”
The money will go to improving existing care hubs, building new ones, and expanding others. The province has planned for a total of 12 hubs to be in operation. Eight are in operation now, and four are currently being planned and implemented.
“We are dedicated to making sure that children and youth are safe, that they are protected, they are resilient, and that they have supports they need to grow and reach their absolute highest potential,” says Rebecca Schulz, Children’s Services Minister.
These hubs are primarily in rural areas that are short on resources to address the mental health concerns of the youth. The $7.3 million will continue to fund this program.
“70 per cent of mental health challenges start in childhood and adolescence,” said Tracie Mutschler, executive director of McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association.
“Suicide is the second leading cause of death of youth in Canada. That’s the third-highest rate in the industrialized world. If you’re an Indigenous youth, you’re five to six times more likely to die by suicide than your non-Indigenous friends.”
Each hub will be tailored to meet the unique needs of the community it operates in.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.