Post-Secondary Institution Eligibility for Funding Opens Access to Resources for Students

Ottawa, November 18th 2024 - Today, the Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister of Mental Health announced the details of the Youth Mental Health Fund investment from Budget 2024, sharing that the $500 million would be spread across three initiatives over the next five years, including strengthening Integrated Youth Services, supporting community organizations helping youth and students and Indigenous supports. 

During its 2023 advocacy week and in previous years, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) has highlighted that the primary reported barrier from post-secondary students is lack of capacity. CASA advocated on the importance of expanding funding for both on and off campus supports for students, and for the importance of having specific Indigenous-responsive supports. 

Today’s funding announcement represents a major step forward in mental health capacity for youth. As post-secondary institutions are eligible for funding, we commend the government for substantially filling its mental health promise made during the 44th general elections. 

“Supporting the mental health of our students is essential to academic success. Securing more mental health supports has been a priority for students across the country for many years. This solution from the federal government will go a long way towards improving access for students across the country and providing support to those that need it most,” said Nelson Chukwuma,  CASA’s Chair. 

“Today’s announcement is a direct action that will have a positive impact on student’s lives across the country, and CASA is pleased to see advocacy surrounding mental health pay off.,” added Ahmad Baker, CASA’s Director of Advocacy.

CASA will continue to monitor wait times for student mental health support and advocate for student mental health as needed.

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About CASA        

Established in 1995, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations is a non-partisan, not-for-profit national student organization composed of 25 student associations across the country. Through our partnership with the Quebec Student Union/Union étudiante du Québec, CASA represents 365,000 post-secondary students across Canada. 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Canadian Alliance of Student Associations

Max Greer, Communications and Creative Content Officer

Email: [email protected] 

Cell: (289)-214-8608

Office: (613)-236-3457