January 22, 2015 - Ottawa, ON - Health Canada
OTTAWA - Following the release of the Mental Health Commission of Canada's data indicators report, Informing the Future: Mental Health Indicators for Canada, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, made the following statement:
"The Government of Canada thanks the Mental Health Commission of Canada for leading the development of this first set of national mental health indicators. Today's preliminary report provides a snapshot of areas where governments, stakeholders and individual Canadians will need to focus their attention in order to maintain and improve mental wellness in Canada.
"Our Government created the Mental Health Commission of Canada to act as a catalyst for change in mental health. In addition to the Commission, the federal government invests significantly in mental health research, mental health services to First Nations and Inuit and soldiers and veterans, and works with several partners to prevent suicide and promote better mental health.
"These initial indicators will help all those involved in our health system - all levels of government, health professionals, communities, workplaces and individuals - better understand and respond to the mental health needs of Canadians. It is an important step in reducing illness, disability, and injury, and helping Canadians live healthy lives.
"We will carefully review this preliminary report and look forward to the full report later this Spring. We will continue to work with the Commission and our partners to advance the promotion of mental health and prevention of mental illness in Canada."
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Michael Bolkenius
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Federal Minister of Health
613-957-0200
Health Canada
Media Relations
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