The federal government has committed more than $6 million to mental health, addiction and crisis services for Black communities. Black organizations say that is a start, and that the money will not last long enough to matter unless next week’s budget changes how Ottawa funds the work.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced the money on Oct. 20 through two programs. The Substance Use and Addictions Program is paying nine organizations a total of about $3.8 million, including $708,548 to the Black Health Education Collaborative, $626,476 to the Committee on Black Health, Innovation and Advancement at the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada, and $581,371 to Midaynta Community Services. Health Canada describes the work as culturally responsive, anti-racist care.
A second program, the Supporting Community Mental Health Crisis Response Initiative, adds about $2.4 million for four projects. The City of Toronto and the City of Ottawa get $700,000 each. The University of Toronto gets $420,994 and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health $606,447. The emphasis is on crisis response that is not led by police.
Advocates say the size of the cheques is only part of the problem. “One or two-year funding cycles don’t work,” said Christopher Evelyn, an advocate and former Liberal staffer, in comments reported by NOW Toronto. “If an organization gets one-year funding, by the time they hire staff, train them up, do an intake, they already have to start winding down.”
The announcement landed as the same advocates press Ottawa on a separate file. The Black Opportunity Fund, the Foundation for Black Communities, Tropicana Community Services and the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute have asked for $500 million over five years, or $100 million a year, for Canada’s Black Justice Strategy. The government has so far funded that strategy for two years, starting in 2025-26. The two asks are different programs and the figures should not be set against each other, but the groups describe the same gap: short-term money for long-term need.
Marc-Édouard Joubert, an executive vice-president of the Canadian Labour Congress, said “sustained federal investment will be essential” to keep Black communities connected to services.
The federal budget is due Nov. 5. Advocates say they are watching it for a five-year commitment.
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