Bill C-280: Mental Health Parity Act
The Mental Health Parity Act proposes a framework for the federal government to partner with provinces and territories to provide public coverage for community-based mental health, addictions and substance use services. The goal of this bill is to make mental health services accessible to all Canadians through our public health care system. This bill would incorporate the principles of the Canada Health Act: public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability and accessibility. It would also incorporate provisions to promote public accountability and to reduce regional disparities in coverage.
MP Johns previously introduced Bill C-201 which would amend the Canada Health Act to extend public coverage to community-based mental health, addictions, and substance use services. The Mental Health Parity Act is standalone legislation that would leave the Canada Health Act untouched at a time it is being undermined by Conservative Premiers.
Support for Bill C-280
Canadian Mental Health Association
"CMHA thanks Member of Parliament Gord Johns (Courtenay—Alberni, BC) for bringing forward this important legislation and for his ongoing leadership in advancing timely, affordable access to mental health care for Canadians. CMHA also supports MP Johns' recent motion calling for investments in mental health, addictions, and substance use health to reach at least 12 per cent of total health spending.
"Canadians take great pride in a universal healthcare system built on the principle that care should be available based on need, not ability to pay. Yet that promise remains incomplete when community mental health services remain out of reach for so many. The Mental Health Parity Act represents a crucial step toward closing that gap and ensuring mental health is valued and treated as an integral part of health care in Canada."
EVENforONE
"While our work focuses on survivors of human trafficking, this is not a challenge unique to them. Across Canada, countless people struggle to access mental health care, addictions treatment, and substance use services when they need them most. Mental health is not separate from health. It IS health.
That is why we support Bill C-280.
Ensuring these services are publicly insured is more than a policy change. It is a statement that mental health deserves the same commitment, the same investment, and the same accessibility as every other aspect of healthcare. It is an investment in people, families, and communities, and in the belief that no one should be left behind because essential care is out of reach.
Thank you for your leadership in bringing this legislation forward. We are proud to support Bill C-280 and would welcome any opportunity to contribute survivor-informed perspectives as it moves through Parliament."