(OTTAWA, ON) October 5, 2026 - The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is marking Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) from October 4 – 10, 2026 with a clear message: mental health and substance use health must be treated with the same priority as physical health across Canada’s health care system.

 

This year’s theme, “Equal Health. Fair Funding. No Exceptions,” reflects a reality Canadians have made increasingly clear: recognizing the importance of mental health and substance use health is no longer enough. That recognition needs to be reflected in how mental health and substance use health services are delivered across the country. When someone recognizes that they need care, appropriate services must be accessible.

 

“True health equity requires that mental health and substance use healthcare be treated as essential health services, fully equal to any physical medical care,” stated Florence Budden, CAMIMH Co-Chair. “Universal healthcare is an empty promise unless patients can access robust, reliable support and services the moment they reach out for help.”

 

CAMIMH’s 2026 National Report Card on Mental Health and Substance Use Health shows there is still significant work to do. Canadians gave current wait times for publicly funded mental health care an F, and equal access to mental health care compared to physical health care also received an F. At the same time, 87 per cent of Canadians said timely access to mental health care is important. Substance use health care also received poor marks: Canadians gave their overall ability to access publicly funded substance use health services a D, while satisfaction with provincial governments on access received an F. Yet 69 per cent of Canadians said timely access to substance use health services is important. Canada’s economic strength depends on the health and well-being of the people who drive it. We cannot expect our economy to grow if Canadians cannot access the mental health and substance use health care they need to work, support their families and contribute to their communities.

 

“We know where the gaps are. What Canadians need now is action to close them,” said Anthony Esposti, CAMIMH Co-Chair. “That means sustained investment, clear accountability and a commitment to improving mental health and substance use health care across the country.”

 

Mental Illness Awareness Week is an opportunity to move the conversation beyond awareness and toward what people should be able to expect from the health system. For CAMIMH, that means keeping the focus on equitable access, timely care and the resources needed to support people across the country.

 

 

For more information about Mental Illness Awareness Week, visit HERE.

 

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