Letter from CEO Ceri Harnden to All Provincial Election Candidates in Peel

Today is Election Day in Ontario! As people across the province consider the candidates, parties, platforms and issues, here is a letter our CEO Ceri Harnden shared with all the provincial candidates in Peel about what EveryMind and the child and youth mental health sector are hoping for from this election and the next government.

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Dear Candidate,

I am reaching out as a member of Children’s Mental Health Ontario and the CEO of EveryMind, the lead agency for child and youth mental health in Peel.

As someone deeply invested in improving the mental health and well-being of children and youth, I would like to underline the critical need for investments in community mental health services in our region. A recent report shows that people in Peel get less than half as much provincial funding for local community services as people in Ottawa or Toronto. Specifically with regards to child & youth mental health, with 295,365 children/youth ages birth-17 in 2021, Peel has 10.8% of Ontario’s child/youth population but 5.5% of provincial CYMH funding.

Every day, families face challenges accessing care due to long wait times, workforce shortages, and service gaps, particularly in equity-deserving communities. Without action, these gaps will continue to grow, leaving more young people without the support they need. At last count, over 28,000 children and youth were waiting for mental health care across the province, with some waiting up to 2.5 years.

By investing in programs that stabilize the workforce, sustain the system, and build capacity, we can ensure that no child has to wait for the care they need. Data shows that early investments in mental health care save money. Every dollar spent on community mental health saves up to $7 in reduced hospital and justice system costs.

The community child and youth mental health sector is eager to partner with government, as well as across children and health service systems, to advance a system that places the integrated needs of children and families at the centre.

We recognize that it’s not just about more money to do more of the same – we need new ways of working, to be creative about how we leverage resources, and to focus most importantly on putting the needs of infants, children, youth and families at the centre.

Child and youth mental health agencies like EveryMind have shown leadership and creativity, even in the face of significant funding constraints. With new investments and policy supports from the province, there are strong foundations to build on in community child and youth mental health that are important examples of system building and improvement.

As you continue to campaign in your riding, I hope that you and your party can commit to investing in child and youth mental health. I can assure you it is a matter of great concern to parents, caregivers, community health professionals and stakeholders across Peel. More details about what community agencies like EveryMind are asking of you can be found here – Pre-Budget Submission 2025 – Children’s Mental Health Ontario. I hope that you will take the time to read more about the challenges in our community and the solutions that can make a difference.

I wish you the best in the campaign and thank you for wanting to engage and be a part of the solution.

Sincerely,

Ceri Harnden