Political parties play a significant role in shaping and guiding policies and decision-making processes. They can advocate for policies prioritizing mental health funding, research, and public awareness and push for legislation protecting rights and access to care. In Canada, where mental health services fall under provincial jurisdiction, political parties can focus on resource allocation and tailored programs for their constituents.
| Party | Key Issues Addressed | Specific Policies |
|---|---|---|
| BC Conservative | - Infrastructure development - Integration of mental health in crisis response - Access to services in rural areas - Immediate crisis support | - Redevelop Riverview site as a mental healthcare centre - Build secure housing units for treatment - Strengthen rural mental health services - Integrate mental health into 911 system - Expand Peer-Assisted Care Teams |
| BC Green Party | - Access to mental health professionals - Regulation and accountability of psychotherapy professions - Support for first responders - Community-based support expansion | - Include six visits to mental health professionals under MSP - Develop evidence-based standards of care - Regulate psychotherapy professions - Increase access to mental health tools for first responders - Expand community integration specialists |
| BC NDP | - Mental health in schools - Youth mental health services - Infrastructure for secure care - Community-based mental health resilience | - Provide mental health counsellors in all public schools. - Expand Foundry Centres for youth. - Create new secure care facilities for severe mental health cases. - Establish $50M Community Mental Health Resilience Fund |
