FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, July 23, 2014 – Mental health remains a pressing issue for students across Canadian campuses as institutions continue to signal an increase in the number of students suffering from mental illness. The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) has put forward policy paper that explores the role the federal government can play with respect to implementing a sustainable mental health policy in the post-secondary education (PSE) sector.
“We ask that the federal government play a larger role in promoting and funding mental health initiatives for youth at the post-secondary level since a majority of mental health issues occurs during young adulthood”, said Travis Gordon, Board Chair of the Canadian Alliance of Students Associations. CASA’s recommendations include; creating a pan-Canadian approach for PSE institutions; tackling stigma on campuses; improving mental health data; increasing mental health investments and reducing financial barriers for students.
“Policy changes in this field have the ability to positively affect students across the country”, said Gordon. By putting CASA’s recommendations into action, the government will not only work towards improving the lives of Canada’s youth and student population, but also the health of Canada’s future labour market.
About CASA
Established in 1995, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit national student organization composed of 22 student associations representing 280,000 post-secondary students from coast to coast. CASA advocates for a Canadian post-secondary education system that is accessible, affordable, innovative and of the highest quality.
FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Jonathan Champagne, Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
Office: 613-236-3457 ext. 222
Mobile: 613-266-2272