This week, Canada's healthcare landscape saw a major policy shift alongside growing concerns about mental health accessibility and outcomes.
Bill C-64, the Pharmacare Act, has reached a crucial milestone, receiving Royal Assent from the Governor General of Canada on October 10, 2024, following its third Senate reading. The Act, which will come into effect once the House of Commons Chamber is notified, marks a significant step towards a national universal pharmacare plan.
It will initially cover diabetes and birth control medications, allowing the federal government to forge agreements with provinces and territories to incorporate these medications into the public health system. Health Minister Mark Holland, who sponsored the bill, is set to collaborate closely with provinces and territories in deciding bilateral agreements for universal and single-payer first-dollar coverage for medications as part of the first phase of the pharmacare program. British Columbia has already signed a memorandum of understanding with the federal government to launch the same program in the province. Notably, the bill was central to the political pact between the Liberals and the New Democratic Party (NDP). The NDP, however, ended the two-and-a-half-year supply-and-confidence agreement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's party last September 4, 2024.
While the Pharmacare Act represents progress in medication coverage, mental health experts are urgently calling for improved public accessibility to health services in Canada, as various reports highlight significant gaps in the current system. The Canadian Institute for Health Information reported that Canadians' health is significantly affected by economic factors, citing a negative impact on their mental health due to financial concerns. The financial barrier between the public and mental healthcare also affects Canadians daily. This includes the lack of access to psychotherapy and counselling due to the exclusion of it from the country's public healthcare system.
Elisabeth Briere, in an opinion piece, emphasizes the need for accessible and inclusive mental health services, particularly for youth, as one-third of girls aged 16 to 21 are more prone to experience a decline in their mental health. The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) reports that 90% of Canadians believe timely access to publicly funded mental health services is crucial, while 83% see a need for more mental health care providers across provinces. Further compounding the issue, a Canadian Mental Health Association report reveals that only 15% of the new federal money is earmarked for mental healthcare.
Mental health concerns continue to be a pressing issue, as studies highlight the urgent need for rapid access to care and comprehensive support systems. A study by GreenShield, a national non-profit health and benefits provider, revealed that two-thirds of Canadian employees are likely to quit their jobs due to intense stress, anxiety, and burnout. The experience is more common to women and younger workers who are 18 to 24 years old. Employees are also seeking more comprehensive mental health benefits when applying.
This trend is further emphasized by a survey from Pollara Strategic Insights and Workplace Strategies for Mental Health on behalf of the Canada Life Assurance Co. and Mental Health Research Canada, which reports that 69% of employees are experiencing burnout symptoms such as lower levels of motivation, reduced levels of energy, and feelings of irritability. Mental health experts Stan Kutcher and Alexa Bagnell stress the importance of prioritizing rapid access to mental health care, especially for young people who may experience severe mental disorders.
Adding to the complex picture of mental health in Canada, a study published in JAMA Network Open has shed light on the significant mental health disparities faced by transgender and gender-diverse individuals. The research reveals that transgender individuals in Canada are three times more likely to experience severe mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, and face significantly higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to their cisgender peers. Lead author Heidi Eccles emphasized the critical need for enhanced support and gender-affirming care to address this mental health crisis. Senior author Dr. Ian Colman underscored the importance of these findings in informing policy decisions aimed at improving mental health services for this marginalized community.
The study's results highlight the urgent necessity for targeted interventions and comprehensive support systems to address the unique mental health challenges faced by transgender and gender-diverse Canadians, calling for immediate action from healthcare providers and policymakers alike.
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